According to Warren and Palmer, this dramatic scene of the decapitation of Shiz (see Ether 15:30) may possibly be represented by an important stela (#21) at Izapa (see illustration). This stela shows a person of high status decapitating another. Although the decapitated figure on Stela 21 is lying upon the ground, he is in an animated position with his left arm and leg raised as if dramatizing the suddenness and violence of his death . . note the similar conformation of the arms. (Norman, Garth, N.W.A.F. Paper #30, Izapa Sculpture, part 2, 123, 1976).
According to Warren and Palmer, Stela 21 at Izapa likely reflects the ritualization of the accession of divine kings to the throne. It involves the decapitation of the captured king as part of an accession ceremony. This became standard practice among the later Classic period Maya (Schele and Miller, 1986). [Bruce W. Warren and David A. Palmer, The Jaredite Saga, p. 9-7]
Ether 15:30 (Coriantumr) smote off the head of Shiz ([Illustration]): [Garth Norman, Izapa Sculpture, part 2, 123]