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Izapa Stela 5




Of all the stelae at Izapa, Stela 5 presents perhaps the most complex image. Researcher Garth Norman has counted "at least 12" human figures, a dozen animals, over 25 botanical or inanimate objects, and 9 stylized deity masks. The central focus of the scene, however, is what appears to be a Tree of Life.

Some Mormon researchers have intepreted this imagery in light of Lehi 's Dream in the '' Book Of Mormon ''. In particular, they have linked the so-called Tree of Life to the Biblical tree of life.

Others have interpreted the imagery to support theories of an African origin, citing what appears to be a boat at the bottom of the scene. Neither view is widely accepted in the academic community.


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