Warriors: The Mayas were often at war. Some scholars say they were always at war. 

Well-trained warriors were important to the Maya way of life. The job of warrior was highly respected. Respect was very important to the Mayas. So was confidence. 

One of the things warriors would do before they went into battle was to create a confidence building shield. This was a round flat circle, covered with pictures that represented all the wonderful things they had accomplished and all the battles they had won. Before a big battle, warriors would dance around holding their shields, accompanied by noisemakers, to rev themselves up for battle.

Mayas for Kids