Sak Nik and Ah-Xoc-Xin Gods of Music in Maya Mythology

Baca Juga

FEMUSINDO.com - The Maya people were polytheistic, meaning they believed in many gods. There were more than 250 gods in the Maya pantheon.

However, much information about the gods and Maya culture was lost after Bishop Diego de Landa burned their books in mass in 1562.

Although no written music survives, archaeologists have unearthed musical instruments, paintings and carved depictions of the ancient Maya.

These excavations show how music was a complex element of the structure of society and religion for the Maya.

Of the many gods, the Maya also knew gods related to music, namely Sak Nik and Ah-Xoc-Xin.

Sak Nik

In Maya mythology, Sak Nik is a god associated with music, the soul and the wind. He is often depicted as a young god who likes to wear a headband with flowers.

Ah-Xoc-Xin

In addition to Sak Nik, the Maya also knew Ah-Xoc-Xin as the god of poetry and music. In their mythology, Ah-Xoc-Xin was believed to be a powerful and kind god.

Ah-Xoc-Xin inspired artists and musicians at that time to create beautiful and perfect musical works. (*)