Shrouded in fabric and surrounded by food and drink, a deceased Maya noble (at bottom left in this recent artist's conception) is well prepared to enter the afterlife, which was seen as a dark underworld ruled by sinister gods.<br> <br> Here, workers are seen stacking stones to seal the crypt while a priest in a feathered headdress and jaguar skins (above right) chants incantations. Behind him, a bound captive is sacrificed.<br> <br> The dead nobleman's widow, in white robes and jade, mourns alongside warriors and friends.