Maya court life was the center of religious and political life in the region. From rooms in the palace, tha ajaw (lord, ruler) exercised his power, seated on this throne draped with jaguar pelt, surrounded by aj k'uhuun (advisors), sajal (provincial rulers), aj tzihb' (scribes), aj k'in (priests), aj chuwen (artists) aj pax (musicians), aj k'ay (singers), and servants. An exceptional example of courtly life may be seen on this column. Resting on his throne, the ruler of Bakná watches a dwarf dance, while to his right, two trompeters play, accompanied by a dignitary carrying an ax.