Overview:

is a carved stela located in a Maya archaeological site in Belize. The stela stands 5.5 meters (18 ft) tall and depicts a ruler known as Smoking Frog on the front side. It is a carved monument dated to the Late Classic period (ca. A.D. 600 – 830) and its imagery, inscription, and spatial relationships provide an important window on the political history of the site and its connections to other regions at that time. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

The Nim Li Punit Stela 12 is a carved stony monument located in the Nim Li Punit archaeological site in Belize. It features two carved figurines depicting a man and a woman. The man is dressed in a feathered headdress and has a headband adorned with a central face mask. He wears an elaborate belt with various symbols. The woman is dressed in a flowing wrap with a belt across her waist adorned with a long necklace. Her arms are folded across her chest and she is wearing a headdress with a similar mask to the man. The stela also features various symbols, including a round figure with an elongated body that is believed to represent a jaguar sun deity, as well as various Maya symbols. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Nim Li Punit Stela 12 is an ancient Maya sculpture located in the ancient Maya ruin of Nim Li Punit in Belize. The limestone monument dates to approximately AD 780 and marks the accession of a new ruler to the site. The stela is inscribed in Maya hieroglyphs and is decorated with the Maize God - suggesting agricultural fertility. It stands at around 2.7 meters in height, and is believed to have been set up during the reign of ruler Canul winik Bahlam. After being rediscovered by Rafael Juan Meave in 1857, Stela 12 has become one of the most famous artifacts from the Nim Li Punit site, and is now on display in the Museum of Belize. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Nim Li Punit Stela 12 is one of many Mayan structures in Belize that dates back to the 5th century A.D. 2. The large stela is made of limestone and stands over 15 feet (4.6 meters) high. 3. The stela is carved with images of celestial gods, rain dances, mystical creatures, and Mayan rulers. 4. The Mayan ruler depicted in the relief wears an elaborate feathered headdress, and is believed to have been carved during the peak of Mayan culture. 5. The view from behind the stela reveals the Mayan ball court, which was used for an ancient game that is still played in some parts of Belize today. 6. In 1962, Belize declared Nim Li Punit Stela 12 a national monument. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.