God L

God L of the Schellhas-Zimmermann-Taube classification of codical gods is one of the major pre-Spanish Maya deities, specifically associated with trade. Characterized by high age, he is one of the Mam ('Grandfather') deities. More specifically, he evinces jaguar traits (particularly the ear), a broad feathery hat topped by an owl, and a jaguar mantle or a cape with a pattern somewhat resembling that of an armadillo shell. The best-known monumental representation is on a doorjamb of the inner sanctuary of Palenque's Temple of the Cross.

The main sign of god L's name glyph in the Dresden Codex consists of the head of an aged man painted black. The reading is unknown, but may conceivably have been Ek' Chuah (see below).

Attributes and scenes of god L are indicative of at least three main functions.

Recurrent attributes are a bundle of merchandise and a walking-stick. The floating ends of god L's cloth can show footsteps, again pointing to travelling merchants. In view of the further functions of god L, the Maya merchants should perhaps be compared to the Aztec nahualoztomecah, warriors disguised as merchants. The wealth of god L has been suggested to refer specifically to the cacao orchards of the Gulf Coast; in Cacaxtla, god L is associated with maize stalks and cacao trees. God L's wealth seems to include women as well. On the Princeton vase (see figure), god L is surrounded by five young women, whereas in the Dresden Codex (14c2), he holds a young woman (goddess I) with a maize sign.

The cigar which, more often than not, is smoked by god L suggests a shaman. The owl on the hat points a connection to the underworld and night, and recalls the Nahua term for sorcerer, tlacatecolotl 'Man-Owl'. The jaguar is also a reference to night and the underworld.

God L's jaguar and owl (kuy) attributes point to sorcery, violence, and warfare, qualities that may be related to his Postclassic role as a personification of Venus rising from the underworld, and throwing spears at his victims (Dresden Codex). God L's connection to warfare is also suggested by the decapitation of a bound prisoner, perhaps a captive king, in front of god L's jaguar palace (Princeton vase). On the central relief of the Palenque Temple of the Sun - a war temple - god L, together with one of the other Maya jaguar gods (viz. the Jaguar God of Terrestrial Fire), supports an emblem consisting of the sacred shield and lances of the Palenque kings. His submissive posture suggests he now represents a defeated enemy chief.

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