Tikal Temple II (Temple of the Masks)
Temple of the Mask · Pirámide de las Máscaras
Late Classic Maya c. 700 CE (c. 734 dedication?)·Maya (Tikal)·🇬🇹 Petén, Tikal, Guatemala
About
About Tikal Temple II (Temple of the Masks)
Western twin of Temple I: 38 m high pyramid with temple summit south of Great Plaza (facing east toward Temple I), built for wife of Jasaw Chan K'awiil I (Lady 12 Macaw). Mask Temple named for huge stucco masks on upper terrace. Three-door temple with carved wooden lintels, roofing comb removed. Forms intentional sunrise-sunset alignment with Temple I pair across plaza.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Queen identification – no tomb found inside
Theories
- 01Topographic duality: Temple I vs II as masculine/feminine pairing mirroring sun/moon cycles
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 700–730 CE (Jasaw Chan K'awiil I for consort)
- Period
- Late Classic Maya c. 700 CE (c. 734 dedication?)
- Culture
- Maya (Tikal)
- Purpose
- Royal pyramid for queen consort / funerary temple of Lady 12 Macaw
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 700–730 CE (Jasaw Chan K'awiil I for consort)
Initial construction
c. 1601 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
17.2222° N · 89.6242° W · 250 m · 3 mapped features
Mask Terrace upper
maskHuge stucco masks flanking stair
17.2222° N · 89.6242° WTemple summit 3 doors
templeThree vaulted chambers
17.2222° N · 89.6242° WAltar 5 before Temple II
altarAltar with carvings facing Temple I
17.2220° N · 89.6240° W
Gallery