First Sky-Maker

Yapese primordial sky-maker; classed as deity. Native name Gavur li yel yel (also Gāvur li yalyal). Gloss 'First Sky-Maker'. He stands above the sky-god Yalafath in the cosmogonic hierarchy: Gavur li yel yel makes Yanolop, who makes the five further sky deities, of whom Yälfaath the Elder then creates humankind.

Children

• Yanolop

Domains

• creation
• the layered cosmos

Powers

• makes the four layers of the cosmos and the chief god

Sources

• Müller, W. (1917). Yap. Ergebnisse der Südsee-Expedition 1908-1910, II.B.2, Friederichsen, Hamburg
• Lingenfelter, S.G. (1975). Yap: Political Leadership and Culture Change in an Island Society. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu