Final answer:
True. Maya stone temples were indeed originally painted, adorned in bright colors that signified the rich visual culture of the Mayan civilization, as seen in places like Palenque. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Maya stone temples were originally painted is true. During their peak, Mayan civilization glorified their structures with vivid colors. Records from the seventh century indicate that the ruins of Palenque and other Maya sites that appear ghost-white today were once adorned in bright hues.
Hieroglyphics and sculpted stelae of limestone complemented the visual richness. The limestone used was initially malleable enough to carve but hardened over time when exposed to the elements, preserving the painted details. Cultural practices embraced painting not only on buildings but also on ceramics, as evident in painted vases depicting scenes of Mayan rulers and daily life, reflecting the significance of art and aesthetics in Mayan culture.