
The Cult of the Jaguar
The Cult of the Jaguar was a religious and political movement in ancient Mesoamerica, particularly associated with the Maya civilization. It centered around the jaguar, a powerful and sacred animal symbolizing strength, royalty, and the underworld. Leaders and royalty often identified with jaguars to demonstrate their divine authority and connection to the spiritual realm. The cult played a role in rituals, art, and social hierarchy, emphasizing the importance of jaguar symbolism in spiritual and political life. It reflects the reverence for jaguars as vital to understanding power, mystery, and the spiritual world in Mesoamerican culture.