Uxmal, Indian Bas Relief, Nun's Palace (Uxmal, Bas Relief de l'Indien, Palais des Nonnes) 1860

This 1860 photograph, by French explorer Désiré Charnay, shows a detailed view of the intricate bas-relief carvings found on the "Nun's Palace" at the Uxmal archaeological site in Mexico. The image captures the stunning geometric patterns and the masterful craftsmanship of the Mayan civilization. The Palace is named for its unique design, which is thought to resemble a row of nuns’ cells. Charnay's work documented the architectural wonders of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, bringing these ancient cultures to a wider audience.