The three-lobed Jester God is the crowning element of the headdress of this Maya king, seen here on the jadeite celt known as the Leiden Plaque. The king's flanged headdress is one of the essential elements of Maya kingly costume. Its side flanges support the weight of the earflares and other royal regalia.

Reference:
Fields, Virginia M. 1989. The Origins of Divine Kingship Among the Lowland Classic Maya. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Texas at Austin.


Jade celt known as the Leiden Plaque. Colors added to a drawing by Linda Schele, courtesy of David Schele (zoom).