Sky High-God
Yapese · deity · primordial · Recorded classification
Yapese sky high-god; classed as deity. Spellings vary (Yalafath, Yelafaz, Yälfaath). In the layered Yapese cosmos he is creator of humankind beneath the older sky-makers Gavur li yel yel and Yanolop; his messenger is the albatross mui-bab and his realm of the dead is Falraman. Gloss 'Sky High-God'.
Domains
- sky
- creation of humankind
- birds
- land of the dead
Powers
- shapes the first man and woman from earth
Epithets
- Yalafath The high god of the heavens, the benevolent creator and overseer of YapYapese (Micronesian) tradition (secondary)
Sources
- Yalafath is the Yapese supreme sky god and creator of the human race, beneficent yet indolent, dwelling at Falraman whither the dead go.: Müller, W. (1917). Yap. Ergebnisse der Südsee-Expedition 1908-1910, II.B.2, Friederichsen, Hamburg (ethnography); Lingenfelter, S.G. (1975). Yap: Political Leadership and Culture Change in an Island Society. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu (reference)