Rosalila Temple, Copan

The Rosalila Temple, a key feature of the Copan Sculpture Museum, represents a significant piece of Maya history. This reconstruction, found at the museum's center, showcases the craftsmanship and cultural depth of the ancient Maya. Discovered by Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle, a noted Honduran archaeologist, Rosalila is the most intact structure excavated at the Copan site. Its presence in the museum offers deep insights into the artistic and architectural skills of a civilization from the sixth century A.D.

The design and coloring of Rosalila are aligned with Maya cosmology, depicting a transition from the underworld to the heavens. Positioned from the lower to the upper floor of the museum, the temple's placement and thematic organization reflect the Maya's three-tiered universe concept. The museum's layout, alongside the temple's color scheme—from dark earth tones to bright reds—highlights the symbolic journey and the essence of life according to Maya beliefs. Rosalila's reconstruction in the museum not only serves as a window into the ancient Maya's spiritual and artistic expressions but also emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and historical understanding.

3D scan created by Professor Alexandre Tokovinine.