Yopaat
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Quirigua_Altar_O%27_Yopaat.jpg/170px-Quirigua_Altar_O%27_Yopaat.jpg)
Yopaatwas an importantMayastorm godin thesouthern Maya areathat included thecitiesofCopánandQuiriguáduring the Classic period ofMesoamerican chronology(c. 250–900 AD). Yopaat was closely related toChaac,the Mayarain god.[1]Yopaat is depicted as bearing a flint weapon that represents athunderbolt.[2]Yopaat was held responsible for especially violent lightning storms, that were believed to cause earthquakes. He was often represented with a snake in place of one leg, demonstrating a close relationship withKʼawiil,anotherMaya deitywith similar attributes.[3]
The deity was most important during the Late Classic period (c. 600–900 AD).[1]Although his worship was concentrated in theMotagua Valley,glyphic inscriptions of the name occur as far away asPalenque,YaxchilánandToniná.[4]Decipherment of a hieroglyphic text found at Palenque has resulted in the suggestion that Yopaat was associated with mist that forms before rainfall.[5]The name of the deity was frequently used as a part of the names of the kings of the Quiriguá dynasty,[1]and it is likely that Yopaat was the patron god of the city, which was subject to abundant rainfall and frequent floods.[6]
Etymology
[edit]The name Yopaat is formed from two elements –yopandaat,literallyleaf-penis.[7]This name has been tentatively linked to mythic imagery atSan Bartolo,Petén,and with other deities in widerMesoamericathat feature an oversized leaf hanging from their abdomens.[8]
Iconography
[edit]InMaya art,Yopaat is depicted using his thunderbolt weapon to crack the shell of the mythic turtle, an action that gives rise to the resurrection of themaize god.[9]Representations of Yopaat are almost identical to representations of Chaac, except his weapon, and curved dotted elements on his head. These dotted elements may represent clouds or mist,[7]or may be sparks.[2]He also has stony markings on his body.[3]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- Bassie-Sweet, Karen; and Nicholas A. Hopkins (2015) "Ancient Thunderbolt and Meteor Deities"in K. Bassie-Sweet, ed.The Chʼol Maya of Chiapas(Norman, Oklahoma, US: University of Oklahoma Press). 123–144.ISBN9780806149264.OCLC907238631
- Gutiérrez González, María Eugenia (2012) B. Arroyo, L. Paiz, and H. Mejía, eds. "Yopaat, un dios Maya de la Tormenta en QuiriguáArchived2015-09-23 at theWayback Machine."[Yopaat, a Maya storm god at Quiriguá]Simposio de Investigaciones Arqueológicas en Guatemala(in Spanish) (Guatemala City, Guatemala: Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes, Instituto de Antropología e Historia, and Asociación Tikal). XXV (2011):1061–1073.ISBN9789929400375.OCLC806091034
- Looper, Matthew (2003)Lightning Warrior: Maya Art and Kingship at Quirigua(Austin, Texas, US: University of Texas Press).ISBN0292705565.
- Pallán Gayol, Carlos (2008) "The Many Faces of Chaahk: Exploring the Role of a Complex and Fluid Entity within Myth, Religion and Politics"Academia.edu.
- Stuart, David (6 March 2013)Leaf Glyphs: Spellings with yo and YOP.Maya Decipherment: Ideas on Ancient Maya Writing and Iconography (decipherment.wordpress ). Austin, Texas, US: University of Texas. Retrieved on 18 March 2016.
Further reading
[edit]- Bernal Romero, Guillermo (2008) "Las orejeras de Kʼinich Janahbʼ Pakal: comentarios sobre una inscripción olvidada de Palenque"[The earspools of Kʼinich Janahbʼ Pakal: comments upon a forgotten inscription from Palenque]Estudios de cultura maya(in Spanish) (Mexico City, Mexico: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas).31.ISSN0185-2574