Jolom

Jolom (cabeza) es uno de los varios objetos otorgados por Nakxit a los nuevos líderes k'iche' en señal de su autoridad y poder. Su par en la lista, pich kej (patas del venado) indica que la cabeza es también del venado.

Jolom (head) is one of the many objects given to the new K'iche' rulers by Nakxit as a sign of their chiefly power. Anthropologist Allen J. Christenson (2007: 259n698) notes a specific connection with this object and other references to Tojil, the primary deity of the K'iche' people and Kaweq lineage. He writes, "Deerskins were the symbol of Tohil, the patron deity of the Quichés. They are still kept in many highland Maya communities as tokens of deities and worn in dances." When the Saqi K'oxol constellation appears earlier in the K'iche' narrative, also, perhaps, as a sign of the permanent position of Tojil in the K'iche' sacred landscape, Christenson (2007: 234n620) noted, "In Santiago Atitlán, deerskins are kept in a confraternity house dedicated to traditional Maya ceremonies. These skins, with the head and antlers still attached, are periodically worn in a dance honoring a powerful deity they call Martín, associated with animals, maize, and rebirth. Prior to the dance, a special priest dedicated to the veneration of Martín called the nab'eysil blesses the deerskins, addressing them as “King Martín, Lord of the Three Levels, Lord of Rain, Lord of Maize, and Lord of all the Mountains” (Christenson 2001, 160). Martín is referred to as 'King Martín' because he is more ancient than any other god, and father to them all (Mendelson 1957, 462; 1958b, 5). The deer is his specific emblem, and a bundle kept in the confraternity house contains very old garments painted with designs associated with tufts of animal hair. The cult of Martín is likely associated with the ancient god Tohil and his deerskin bundle (Mendelson 1958a, 121, 124). The Great Dance of Tohil took place in the month of Tz'ikin Q'ij, just prior to the principal maize harvest in November, coinciding with the Dance of Martín on November 11 (Christenson 2001, 169-176). The Maya deity Martín is derived from St. Martin of Tours (November 11 is his day on the liturgical calendar), who is often depicted in Roman Catholic paintings and sculpture seated on a horse. The early Maya consistently confused horses with deer (Hill 1992, 151). Even today both animals bear the same name in most Maya languages."