Stela 11's similarities to Izapan-style monuments can be seen in features such as the basal panel and spiked incense burners flanking the king (Norman 1976, 289-90; Parsons 1986, 65-66). A profusion of bird and tree imagery surrounds the figure. The Principal Bird Deity looks down on the figure, who also wears a bird mask, above which is a creature whose forehead sprouts the trefoil maize plant. The king grasps the lightning axe of Chaak — illustrating his role as the divine being who breaks open the earth for the resurrection of the Maize God.

References:
Clancy, Flora. 1985. Cat. entries 19, 33, 48-49, in Gallencamp and Johnson, Maya.
Norman, V. Garth. 1976. Izapa Sculpture, pt. 2. Papers of the New World Achaeological Foundation 30.
Parsons, Lee A. 1986. The Origins of Maya Art: Monumental Stone Sculpture of Kaminaljuyu, Guatemala, and the Southern Pacific Coast. Dumbarton Studies 28.

Stela 11
Kaminaljuyu, Guatemala
200-50 BC
Granite
198.1 x 67.9 x 18.1 cm
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, Guatemala City.



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