Final answer:
The assertion that Mayan bloodletting was performed only on slaves is false; instead, it was a noble practice that involved rulers and other high-status members of Mayan society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Mayan bloodletting rituals were only enacted on slaves" is false. The ancient Maya civilization is known for its various rituals, including bloodletting, which were an integral part of their religious and cultural practices. Royal bloodletting rituals were a significant aspect of these, in which members of the nobility, including kings and queens, participated. These elites would perform self-sacrifice using sharp objects, such as obsidian blades or stingray spines, to cut parts of their bodies, most commonly the tongue or genitals. The purpose was to offer their own blood to the gods, as blood was considered the force of life and a precious offering. Maya rulers were believed to owe blood to the gods, stemming from the belief that the gods had sacrificed their blood when creating the world. Consequently, blood from noble individuals, including captured enemy noblemen, was particularly valued.