Beyond Touring - Lamanai Belize, Structure N10-9, Jaguar Temple

Lamanai Belize, Structure N10-9, Jaguar Temple –
6th Stop, Jaguaroid façade sculptures

In Progress, Tourism Development Project

Structure N10-9 underwent major consolidation and similar to Structure N10-43 rounded side terraces were recovered. There are three Lamanai Building Type (LBT) structures (illustrated below) that were recovered and identified by D. Pendergast during the first excavations of Lamanai.


Structure N10-9 – Early Classic AD 500 – 600	Structure N10-9 – Late Classic AD 600 - 700

Structure N10-9 – Postclassic AD1100 - 1200
Illustrations by L. Belanger (www.louisebelanger.com) The artistic renditions of the over 700 years of construction, of one of the ancient Maya's main ceremonial structures at Lamanai help us to visualize what it may have been like so long ago. Major modifications during the Postclassic by the ancient Maya are evident in the large stairside outsets, also present is the LBT (Lamanai Building Type), a building not constructed on top of a structure but lower and set across the access stairs.

Jaguaroid Façade Sculpture, West Side N10-9

BEFORE consolidation:

The sculptures on the west side suffered more damage through the years then the east side. Numerous reasons exist for this including hurricanes, rainstorms, extreme sun exposure, moss, roots, and even insects.

AFTER consolidation:

L. & B. Belanger renovated the Jaguar-like façade sculptures at the base of the temple. These sculptures give this structure it's name and also reiterate the importance of the Jaguar in the life of the ancient Maya who resided at Lamanai (and beyond).