Itzamna

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In Maya mythology, Itzamna was the founder of the Maya culture, taught his people to grow maize and cacao, as well as writing, calendars and medicine. He was a good-natured god who was especially worshiped by the wealthier classes. He was associated with snakes and mussels. His father was Kinich Ahau or Hunab Ku. The city of Izamal was sacred to him.

He was the god of the sky, night, and day. In these last two functions, he was closely associated with Kinich Ahau, the sun god. With Ixchel, he was the father of the Bacabs.

Itzamna was the object of a cult at the beginning of each year, when a dog and a person were sacrificed to him. The offering was dropped from the top of a pyramid. When it hit the ground, the heart was torn out to make the offering to the god.