Halach Uinik
Halach uinik or halach uinic ( Yucatec :'real man') was the name given to the supreme ruler, overlord or chief, as they were called in the colonial period of a Maya Kuchkabal.[1]
Most Kuchkabal, was run by a halach uinik, who ruled on behalf of one of the gods of their pantheon, constituting a structure theocratic. The succession occurred in the same family, with power passing from parent to child, under the law of primogeniture. The halach concentrated all religious, military and civil power. They chose, among the members of the theocracy, officials who helped in the administration of the Kuchkabal. Mostly designating their family members as heads or batab of the batalib (municipalities) that made the Kuchkabal. These batabob commanded their own soldiers, presided over the local council, implemented justice, and controlled the payment of taxes . In addition to these assignments, they also took care of the fields at the times indicated by the priests or ah kin.
The Halach Uinic was lord of a Mayan city-state. It was a hereditary office which was transmitted to the eldest child, normally son. Its main symbol of power was the "Manikin Scepter", a ceremonial baton that had K'awiil figure, the god of life.
Next to Halach Uinic worked several officials who were appointed directly. They were:
a. The Ah Holpop : political-religious delegates to the Halach Uinic. Preparing large feasts and sacred ceremonies. Also guarding musical instruments.
b. The Nacom : was the principal military head of a city-state.
c. The Ahuacan : was the high priest. Watched calendars, sacred books and education. He also directed the sacrifices and rites of divination.
d. The tupil : the guards were guarding public order and law enforcement.
See also
Notes
- ↑ Clendinnen 1987, 2003, p. 25.
References
- Clendinnen, Inga (2003) [1988]. Ambivalent Conquests: Maya and Spaniard in Yucatan, 1517–1570 (2nd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-52731-7. OCLC 50868309.