Halach uinik or halach uinic (
Yucatec Maya:'real man') was the name given to the supreme ruler, overlord or chief, as they were called in the colonial period of a
Maya ''
kuchkabal''.
Most ''kuchkabal'' were run by a halach uinik, who ruled on behalf of one of the gods of their
pantheon
Pantheon may refer to:
* Pantheon (religion), a set of gods belonging to a particular religion or tradition, and a temple or sacred building
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*Pantheon (Marvel Comics), a fictional organization
* ''Pantheon'' (Lone St ...
, constituting a theocracy. The succession occurred in the same family, with power passing from parent to child, under the law of primogeniture. The halach uinik concentrated all religious, military and civil power in one person. They chose officials from among the members of the theocracy who helped in the administration of the ''kuchkabal''. They usually designated their family members as heads or ''batab'' of the ''batalib'' (municipalities) that formed the ''kuchkabal''. These ''batabob'' commanded their own soldiers, presided over the local council, implemented justice, and controlled the payment of taxes. In addition to these assignments, they also took care of the fields at the times indicated by the
priests
A priest is a religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and one or more deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particu ...
or ''ah k'in''.
The halach uinic was lord of a
Maya city
Maya cities were the centres of population of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization of Mesoamerica. They served the specialised roles of administration, commerce, manufacturing and religion that characterised ancient cities worldwide.Sharer & Trax ...
-state. It was a hereditary office which was transmitted to the eldest child, normally to a son. Its main symbol of power was the "
manikin scepter", a ceremonial baton that featured a figurine of
K'awiil, the god of life.
Several officials were appointed directly to support the halach uinic.
They were:
a. The
Ah Holpop: political-religious delegates to the Halach Uinic.
b. The
Nacom: was the principal military head of a city-state.
c. The
Ahuacan: was the high priest. Watched calendars, sacred books and education. He also directed the sacrifices and rites of divination.
d. The
tupil: the guards were guarding public order and law enforcement.
See also
*
Ajaw
Notes
Sources
*
{{Maya
Maya rulers