mostly-history

Maya statue (possibly of a howler monkey) outside Temple 11 in Copán (Honduras).

In Maya mythology, the twin monkey gods are the patron deities of visual art, music, writing, dance, and calculations.  They are also patrons of the artisans, especially of scribes and sculptures.  They are depicted on Classic-era vases in the act of writing books and carving human heads.

At Copán, there are two statues of simian figures outside Temple 11, in the West Court.  These statues are quite likely of the monkey gods, as they hold rattles, and follow closely the usual depictions in Maya art and Long Count inscriptions.  This includes the snakes in the corners of their mouths (which unfortunately can’t really be seen in this photo).