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Description
Th last one of the Yucatan Maya outfits. I forgot to post it. Anyway, this is a Maya prophet or sorcerer. The Chilamoob's were known for giving prophecies while they lied down. They are responsible for the Chilam Balam books which foretold many events and recalled the history of the Yucatan. The books also included a detailed calendar from both their 260 and 365 day calendars, as well as myths and a language of riddles called 'Zuyua' Speech. This sorcerer's image comes from the murals of Chichen Itza. What is unusual about this is that he wears a skirt (a female garment). However it was not unusual for priests and sorcerers to transform themselves or let themselves be possessed by a Deity (be it a God or Goddess). By donning a Goddesses clothing, the man is allowed to transform himself into a Goddess for a ritual in order to access her power. This crossdressing is sometimes seen in Deities too. One has to remember that even though the Maya had gender norms and roles in their societies, when it came to the ritual sphere, societal rules and morals could be turned upside or changed. The drawing itself is a bit metaphorical since it shows one of the sorcerers holding a serpent staff that appears as an actual serpent. It should also be remembered that during the Postclassic, unlike the Classic period, the Maya used art more to represent rather than describe. So the art is more symbolic. This is in line with the new art movement that came with the Postclassic called the Postclassic International Style. However, this is based on Chichen Itza drawings, a city that reached its apex during the Terminal Classic and Early Postclassic.

I added a cigar and a bowl of tobacco. Sorcerers and priests in general are often times depicted with a tobacco gourd hanging from their necks. These are usual indicators of their office. This tobacco would be grounded with lime and other substances and smoked in a cigar.

Description
Th last one of the Yucatan Maya outfits. I forgot to post it. Anyway, this is a Maya prophet or sorcerer. The Chilamoob's were known for giving prophecies while they lied down. They are responsible for the Chilam Balam books which foretold many events and recalled the history of the Yucatan. The books also included a detailed calendar from both their 260 and 365 day calendars, as well as myths and a language of riddles called 'Zuyua' Speech. This sorcerer's image comes from the murals of Chichen Itza. What is unusual about this is that he wears a skirt (a female garment). However it was not unusual for priests and sorcerers to transform themselves or let themselves be possessed by a Deity (be it a God or Goddess). By donning a Goddesses clothing, the man is allowed to transform himself into a Goddess for a ritual in order to access her power. This crossdressing is sometimes seen in Deities too. One has to remember that even though the Maya had gender norms and roles in their societies, when it came to the ritual sphere, societal rules and morals could be turned upside or changed. The drawing itself is a bit metaphorical since it shows one of the sorcerers holding a serpent staff that appears as an actual serpent. It should also be remembered that during the Postclassic, unlike the Classic period, the Maya used art more to represent rather than describe. So the art is more symbolic. This is in line with the new art movement that came with the Postclassic called the Postclassic International Style. However, this is based on Chichen Itza drawings, a city that reached its apex during the Terminal Classic and Early Postclassic.

I added a cigar and a bowl of tobacco. Sorcerers and priests in general are often times depicted with a tobacco gourd hanging from their necks. These are usual indicators of their office. This tobacco would be grounded with lime and other substances and smoked in a cigar.