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Itzamná was one of the most important deitiesgod or goddess of Mayan mythology. The ruler of the heavens and of day and night, he was often shown in Mayan art as a pleasant, toothless old man with a large nose. He was also identified as the son of the creator god Hunab Ku.

In various myths, Itzamná appears as a culture heromythical figure who gives people the tools of civilization, such as language and fire who gave the Maya the foundations of civilization. According to legend, he taught them to grow corn, to write, to use calendars, and to practice medicine. He also introduced a system for dividing up the land, and he established ritualsceremony that follows a set pattern for religious worship.

Itzamná is sometimes linked with the sun...