Kinich Ahau

The Sun-Faced Lord

Kinich Ahau embodies the blazing sun at its zenith. His large square eyes represent the sun's power, and his filed, T-shaped front teeth mark him as a god of royalty.

The Night Journey

Each evening, Kinich Ahau descends into Xibalba, becoming the Jaguar God of the Underworld. He battles the lords of death through the night, emerging victorious each dawn.

Divine Kingship

Maya kings claimed descent from or identification with Kinich Ahau. Solar imagery pervaded royal iconography, and kings performed rituals to ensure the sun's daily rebirth.