Yopaat was an importantMayastorm god in thesouthern Maya area that included thecities ofCopán andQuiriguá during 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 deity with 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,Yaxchilán andToniná.[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]
The name Yopaat is formed from two elements –yop andaat, literallyleaf-penis.[7] This name has been tentatively linked to mythic imagery atSan Bartolo,Petén, and with other deities in widerMesoamerica that feature an oversized leaf hanging from their abdomens.[8]
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]
