Printable Coloring Pages
Mayan Mythology Coloring Pages
Welcome to our Mayan Mythology coloring pages section.
Discover the world of ancient pyramids, powerful gods, and mystical symbols. Each page is a window into the rich culture and fascinating mythology of the Maya civilization. Whether you're a curious young explorer or an art-loving adult, these coloring pages offer a creative way to learn about and appreciate the artistic achievements and stories of the Maya.
Ancient Pyramids coloring pages:
Mayan pyramids stand as monumental testaments to the sophistication and engineering prowess of the ancient Maya civilization. These impressive structures were not only architectural feats but also held great ceremonial and religious significance. Often towering above the jungle canopy, Mayan pyramids such as those found at Tikal, Palenque, and Chichen Itza served as temples, observatories, and royal tombs.
Today, these ancient pyramids attract scholars and tourists alike, eager to explore the rich history and enduring legacy of Mayan culture. Characterized by their steep, towering staircases leading to temples at the top, these pyramids were intricately designed to align with celestial events, such as solstices and equinoxes, showcasing the Maya's advanced understanding of astronomy.
Ah Puch coloring pages:
Ah Puch: Known as the god of death, Ah Puch is portrayed in haunting skeletal form, often resembling a corpse with bells that jingle ominously. He presides over the ninth and darkest underworld in Mayan mythology, embodying the fear and respect the Maya held for the afterlife.
Ah Puch is sometimes portrayed with an owl, believed to be his messenger, signaling his presence and linking him to the symbolism of death and night in many cultures.
Balam coloring pages:
Balam: This deity symbolizes the jaguar, a creature deeply revered by the Maya. The jaguar, associated with the night, warfare, and the underworld, represents strength, stealth, and the mysterious powers of the dark.
Jaguars were considered as both protectors and destroyers, making Balam a complex figure in Mayan mythology. Archaeologists often find jaguar motifs in Mayan art, indicating the high status of this animal in their culture.
Chaak coloring pages:
Chaak (or Chac): As the rain god, Chaak is vital for agriculture, a key element of Mayan survival and prosperity. Chaak's importance cannot be overstated in a region that depended heavily on agriculture. Typically shown with amphibian or reptilian features, he wields an axe that is said to strike the clouds, causing rain to fall. Mayan ceremonies often involved rituals to honor Chaak, pleading for rain through offerings and dances.
Ek Chuah coloring pages:
Ek Chuah: This deity of merchants and warfare also protected the cacao crop, essential both as a food and as currency. Ek Chuah is depicted as a fearsome warrior with a blackened face, possibly from cacao. Cacao beans were so valuable they were used as currency, and Ek Chuah's festivals included trade fairs and cacao offerings.
Itzamna coloring pages:
Itzamna: Considered the supreme creator god, Itzamna is associated with wisdom, the heavens, and learning. He is central in Mayan creation myths and is often depicted as a wise old man. Itzamna is credited with inventing the Mayan calendar and writing, fundamental elements of Maya civilization that we understand through deciphered glyphs.
Ix Chel coloring pages:
Ix Chel: The goddess of fertility, childbirth, medicine, and weaving, Ix Chel has a dual nature: as an old woman she represents wisdom and medicine; as a young woman, fertility and vitality. Ix Chel was often depicted with a rabbit, symbolizing fertility and abundance, in Mayan art.
Engage with the legacy of Ix Chel, and appreciate the depth of her character as a protector, healer, and nurturer in the Mayan pantheon, making her an enduring symbol of strength and femininity.
Kinich Ahau coloring pages:
Kinich Ahau: As the sun god, he illuminates the day and is a patron of music and poetry. Kinich Ahau is one of the few Mayan gods consistently depicted with a solar disk around his face, and he’s thought to descend into the underworld at night to become a jaguar, symbolizing rebirth each morning.
Kukulkan coloring pages:
Kukulkan, the feathered serpent, is a central figure in Mayan mythology, symbolizing wisdom and the balance of nature. This revered deity is depicted with a serpentine body adorned with lavish feathers, illustrating his connection to both the earth and the sky.
Vucub Caquix coloring pages:
Vucub Caquix isn't a Mayan god, he's the intriguing character from the ancient Maya epic, the Popol Vuh. Known as "Seven Macaw," Vucub Caquix is a boastful, flamboyant bird who declares himself the sun and the moon, masquerading as a deity. His dazzling feathers and bright, shimmering jewels captivate all who see him, but beneath this magnificent exterior lies a creature driven by vanity and deceit. Our coloring page captures the dramatic moment when the Hero Twins confront him, a pivotal story that teaches lessons about humility and the danger of false pride. As you color, bring to life the opulent plumage of Vucub Caquix and the lush, intricate backdrop of the Mayan jungle, diving deep into a story where magic and myth blend seamlessly with moral values.
Yum Kaax coloring pages:
Yum Kaax: The god of the forest, wildlife, and agriculture, Yum Kaax embodies the nurturing and protective qualities vital to Mayan culture. As the deity who watches over animals and plants, he ensures the balance and prosperity of nature. Often depicted with elements such as maize or surrounded by a variety of animals, Yum Kaax symbolizes fertility and ecological harmony. Engage with the legacy of Yum Kaax, and appreciate the depth of his character as a protector and guardian in the Mayan pantheon, making him an enduring symbol of strength and guardianship.
Mayan mythology originated from the Maya civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica. The regions where Mayan culture and mythology were most prominent include what are now the following countries:
- Guatemala - Home to many significant Mayan sites and cities, and still has a large population of people of Maya descent who maintain many aspects of traditional culture and language.
- Mexico - Particularly the southern states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas, and Tabasco, which contain many well-known archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Palenque.
- Belize - This country has a number of smaller Mayan sites and was part of the southern periphery of the Mayan civilization.
- Honduras - Includes sites like Copán, one of the major centers of Maya civilization, especially noted for its distinctive sculptural style.
- El Salvador - Although less central to the Mayan cultural area, El Salvador housed some Mayan communities and sites, showing the spread of Maya influence.
The Maya civilization was one of the most dominant indigenous societies of Mesoamerica before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. Their mythology and cultural practices were deeply intertwined with their understanding of astronomy, mathematics, and ecology, influencing a vast region across these present-day countries.