Palace Doorway Lintel at Yaxchilan, MexicoLady Xoc, principal wife of King Shield-Jaguar, who holds a torch over her, pulls a thorn-lined rope through her tongue to sanctify with her blood the birth of a younger wife’s child — reflecting the importance of blood sacrifice in Maya culture. The elaborate headdresses and clothes of the couple show their royal status. (© The Trustees of the British Museum/Art Resource, NY)