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The pre-Columbian Maya religion knew various jaguar gods, in addition to jaguar demi-gods, (ancestral) protectors, and transformers. The main jaguar deities are discussed below. Their associated narratives (part of Maya mythology) are still largely to be reconstructed. Lacandon and Tzotzil-Tzeltal oral tradition are particularly rich in jaguar lore.
The Maya people saw the jaguar's attributes as a strong and powerful creature, as well as its easily recognizable coat, and incorporated it into their mythology. Many gods were portrayed as jaguars, or at least had characteristics not unlike jaguars, due to their powerful nature.[1] [2] [3]
- ^ Saunders, Nicholas J. (June 1994). "Predators of Culture: Jaguar Symbolism and Mesoamerican Elites". World Archaeology. 26 (1): 104–117. doi:10.1080/00438243.1994.9980264.
- ^ Patterson, Thomas C. "Pre-Columbian civilizations". Britannica.
- ^ Kellog, Ali. "JAGUAR WORSHIP AT LAMANAIAND TEOTIHUACAN". Academia. Cotsen Institute.