Mayan Cosmology.ppt

Ancestors The Mayas also worshipped the dead. ?They believed the dead became one with the gods. ? They worshipped their ancestors at many religious ceremonies. ? They also built pyramids over the sacred remains of their dead rulers. Mayan Gods and Goddesses Pre-Conquest codices mention approximately 30. Post-Conquest manuscripts “Ritual of the Bakabs” (18th c) depicts 166 deities. ITZAMNá He was the head god, lord of the heavens and lord of the night and day. ? His name meant lizard. ?Carved pictures show him as an old crossed-eyed man, and sometimes with a lizards body. ?The Mayas believed he invented books and writing. KINICH AHUAU He was the sun god and the god of the rulers. CHAC He was the rain god. ?Carvings show him as a reptile with a large nose pointing down and curling fangs. ?He had four aspects: Chac Xib Chac Red Chac of the East Sac Xib Chac White Chac of the North Ek Xib Chac Black Chac of the West Kan Xib Chac Yellow Chac of the South  YUN KAAX He is the god of maize (corn) and agriculture. ? Pictures always show him as a young man either carrying a plant or has a plant as a headdress. AH PUCH He is the god of death. ?Carvings of him show a skull and skeleton. EK CHAUB He is the god of trade. ?Mayan artists painted his face black and he had a drooping lower lip. IX CHEL She is the moon and rainbow goddess. ?She is also the goddess of weaving and childbirth. Wife of Itzamna. BULUC CHABTAN He is the god of war and human sacrifice. Carvings of him show a black line around his eye and down onto his cheek. ?He is at times shown with a torch or weapon in his hand. Minor Gods and Goddesses Cit Bolon Tum: a god of Medicine. Ekahau: the god of Travelers and Merchants. Ixtab: the goddess of the Hanged. She receives their souls into paradise. Kan-u-Uayeyab: the god who guarded cities. Kinich Kakmo: the Sun god symbolized by the Macaw. Mitnal: Mitnal was the underworld hell where the wicked were tortured. Nacon: Nacon was the god of War. Tzultacaj