Yahval Balamil
Tzotzil–Tzeltal · deity · Tzotzil–Tzeltal traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Yahval Balamil, the Earth Lord or Owner of the Earth, is a fat, wealthy, ladino-like being who dwells within the caves and mountains of the highlands. He is master of rain, cloud and lightning — the 'anjel — of the waterholes, of wild game, and of the gold and silver buried in the ground. He lends riches at a price, for the souls of the dead and of those who borrow from him must serve inside the earth as his labourers and mule-drivers. Candles, incense, liquor and fowl are offered at caves and waterholes to secure rain and safe passage across his domain.
Domains
- earth caves
- rain lightning
- wealth livestock
Powers
- send and withhold rain
- lend buried wealth
- bind souls to underground labour
Epithets
- Yahval Balamil — Owner of the EarthVogt, Evon Z. 1969. Zinacantán. Harvard University Press. (secondary)
- 'Anjel — Angel / Lightning-LordGuiteras Holmes, Calixta. 1961. Perils of the Soul. Free Press of Glencoe. (secondary)
Sources
- The Earth Lord is the owner of caves, rain, lightning and buried wealth, indenturing souls who borrow from him.: Vogt, Evon Z. 1969. Zinacantán. Harvard University Press. (secondary); Guiteras Holmes, Calixta. 1961. Perils of the Soul. Free Press of Glencoe. (secondary)