Ancient classic Maya city of Toniná in Chiapas Highlands, Mexico, boasts a unique and dramatic mountain setting. Discoveries in recent years have revealed a more of its artistic flair, especially virtuosity in stucco-modeling and carving of distinct three-dimensional sandstone stelae. The city, also known as “Place of Celestial Captives” had a strong militaristic tradition; often warring with its neighbors and notorious for taking large number of elite captives. Most of the captives ended their lives on a sacrificial stone in Toniná, but some survived. Among them was the king of neighboring Palenque, K’an Joy Chatham II., who was apparently released for a ransom. In that respect, Toniná militant kings resembled modern hostage takers.
Underworld journey in canoe (Importance of the canoe in the world of classical Maya). Maya believed that the deceased traveled in mythical canoes on the waters of the Underworld, which could be visualised as the region´s plentiful underground rivers. This voyage was seen as a beginning of a spiritual journey of the dead toward te ultimate rebirth. In harmony of contradictions, which is so pervasive in Mesoamerican religion, the death/sacrifice and rebirth may have the same symbolism: the canoe can be a vehicle transporting the dead to the Underworld and toward his/her celestial rebirth.