Teʼ Kʼab Chaak
| Teʼ Kʼab Chaak | |
|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
| King of Caracol | |
| Reign | 331-349 |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | K'ahk' Ujol K'inich I (next known ruler) |
| Died | Caracol |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Teʼ Kʼab Chaak ("Tree Branch Rain God") was a Mayan king (ajaw) of Caracol in Belize.[1] He was a founder of the Caracol dynasty.[2][3]
Two retrospective references to Teʼ Kʼab Chaak in Late Classic texts place him in the middle of the fourth century AD; that a king from this early era should continue to be talked about hundreds of years later suggests that he was the dynasty founder.[4]
Marc Zender cautions that the translation of Teʼ Kʼab Chaak's name as "Tree Branch Rain God" is unlikely, given that kʼabte' (literally "arm (of) tree"), rather than teʼkʼab, would be the expected order of elements in Mayan for the meaning "tree branch".
Zender suggests a translation like "Tree-Armed Chaak" or "Trees are the Arms of Chaak".
It was announced in July 2025 that the tomb of Teʼ Kʼab Chaak was found in Caracol by archeologists from the University of Houston.[3][5] The tomb contained a mosaic death mask and jadeite jewelry.[3]
References
- ^ Calvin, Inga (2012). "Maya Royal Dynasties" (PDF). Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies. p. 6. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
- ^ Mesoweb by Joel Skidmore
- ^ a b c Yuhas, Alan (10 July 2025). "Maya Ruler's Tomb Is Unearthed in Belize, With Clues to His Ancient World". New York Times. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ Martin and Grube 2008:86
- ^ Fickman, Laurie. "Archaeologists uncover tomb of Te K'ab Chaak, first ruler of ancient Maya city Caracol". Phys.org. Retrieved 10 July 2025.