Existing comment:
Maximon
("Saint Simon" or "Saint Judas Iscariot"), n/a.
by unknown artist
Notable among profane personages is Maximon, who belongs to the dark side of Maya-Christian iconography. He is venerated as the protector of drunkards and gamblers. Maximon is generally shown seated and dressed in black, though sometimes in native costume. He is often smoking, and sometimes has a glass in hand. His image appears frequently in bars, and the homes of both the humble and the powerful in Guatemala. In some Mayan churches, Maximon has his own niche; the faithful deposit money and light candles around it, hoping to obtain his favor. It is generally believed that Maximon derives from the figure of Judas Iscariot. |