A changing pantheon
A study in Cuicuilco, a journal of Mexico's INAH, stresses that Maya deities were depicted in varied ways depending on period, region and source. There was no single fixed pantheon shared by all Maya peoples, and some identifications of gods have changed with new readings of the glyphs.
Chaac (Chaahk): the rain
Chaac is linked to rain and lightning. In a land without rivers, he mattered enormously. His faces, the famous masks, cover the façades of Uxmal and other Puuc sites. Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology lists him among the main figures of Maya religion.
Itzamná: the creator
INAH's academic sources present Itzamná as a creator deity. He also appears in the National Museum of Anthropology's guide to Maya gods.
The maize god and others
- Ju'n Ixiim: the young maize god, honoring Mesoamerica's staple food.
- Ek Chuah: associated with merchants and exchange, with interpretive nuances.
- K'uh: less a god than a concept of the sacred, still debated.
The Maya Codex of Mexico also depicts deities linked to the phases of Venus.
Where to see them
Maya deities appear on ceramics, codices, reliefs and murals. Uxmal's Chaac masks and Chichén Itzá's art are the easiest places near Mérida to see them in stone.
From Mérida
Mary Tours' Uxmal transfer lets you take in the Chaac masks at your own pace, and its Chichén Itzá trips include a guide to interpret the reliefs. Everything departs from the office on Calle 61 in downtown Mérida.
| Deity | Associated with |
|---|---|
| Chaac (Chaahk) | Rain and lightning |
| Itzamná | Creation |
| Ju'n Ixiim | Maize |
| Ek Chuah | Merchants and trade |
Fun facts
- Chaac masks cover Uxmal's façades.
- There was no single, fixed Maya pantheon.
- Some god identifications changed with new glyph readings.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Chaac?
The Maya god linked to rain and lightning.
Who was Itzamná?
A creator deity, according to INAH academic sources.
Was there a maize god?
Yes, Ju'n Ixiim, the young maize god.
Did the Maya have a fixed pantheon?
No; the gods varied by period and region.
