An art work that is cut in from a stone or wooden surface, not modeled in the round.

According to the degree of projection one can distinguish between low-relief or bas-relief and high relief. The sunk relief is a common form of reliefs in Ancient Egypt, where the depicted scenes were cut into the stone or wood surface.

Among the most famous reliefs are the works of the Florentine master Lorenzo Ghiberti. He created, among others, the bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, called by Michelangelo the "Gates of Paradise".

The Indian people of the Maya were the bearers of a highly sophisticated culture. They inhabited the area that encompasses southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador.

The Mayan culture had its heyday in the classical period from 300 to 900. In the post-classical period (900 - 1540), the Mayan culture experienced a new flourishing under the influence of the Toltecs.

The art of the Maya takes a leading position among the Mesoamerican cultures. Pyramids, temples and palaces were richly decorated with reliefs which bore witness to the masterly Maya sculpture. Only a few murals have survived the turmoil of centuries.

The ceramic artist of the Maya usually created small, finely modeled, partially painted clay figures, vessels and bowls. Pendants, beads, earrings etc. were crafted from jade.