Ruler 11: Butz’ Chan

AKA: K’ahk Uti Chan, Fiery Sky, Fiery Snake, Smoking Heavens, Smoke Serpent, Smoke Sky

Ruler: 11

Reign: 578 - 628

Preceded by: Moon Jaguar

Succeeded by: K’ahk’ Uti’ Witz’ K’awiil

Structures:

Butz’ Chan’s nearly fifty year reign oversaw a large population growth in the 7th century (Martin and Grube 2008, 200; Fash 1991, 98). Only two of his stelae - Stela 7 and Stela P have survived, both of which commemorate period endings (Martin and Grube 2008, 200; Schele 1987, 200; Fash 2011, 55). Both of his stelae feature the Paddler Gods - the Stingray Spine God and Jaguar God - who represented day and night respectively as well as death and rebirth and other dualities (Stone and Zender 2011, 201). Notably, these gods also appeared in Tikal Burial 116, Dos Pilas Stela 8, and other locations in the Maya region (Schele 1986 199). Following the theme of duality, these stelae emphasize each half of these dualities respectively, with Stela 7 emphasizing the physical strength, sacrifice, and prowess in warfare through the jaguar or night while Stela P emphasizes fertility and abundance through the day and rebirth aspect. Notably, these stelae were erected in the village and in the Acropolis respectively, and Butz’ Chan alters the carving style used to suit each location, with the village stela focusing on the physical and the Acropolis stela focusing moreso on the divine.

Butz’ Chan was a fairly famous king. A Pusilha king in Belize had taken the eleventh ruler’s name shortly after his death (Martin and Grube 2008, 201). Furthermore, Waxaklajuun Ubaah K’awiil honored him on Stela A (Schele and Grube 1986, 153). Butz’ Chan would continue to be honored on at least four more stelae in Copan (Martin and Grube 2008, 200).

Sources: