15.11

This reconstructive drawing of the imagery carved on the surface of the Ponce monolith was prepared by Amy Oakland, from rubbings and photographs (published with her permission). It shows the statue opened from the middle of the front to highlight the Staff God on the upper back, just below the snake-like bands that apparently represent the figure's braided hair. This is the stylistically earliest appearance of the SAIS triad at Tiahuanaco and shows a Staff God on the back and another on the headband, over the nose. Profile Attendants, now bereft of Sacrificer attributes, appear on the body, facing toward or away from the Staff God, and on the headband, marching toward the central Staff God from its right and left. Rayed Heads appear on the belt.