Ix Tab

Ix Tab : Lady of the Rope

According to ancient Mayan cosmology, among those who go straight to Paradise after death are warriors killed in battle, women who die in childbirth, priests, and those who commitsuicide. Ix Tab is the matron goddess of those who commit suicide by hanging. If they’ve led virtuous lives, she welcomes them to her afterlife realm. (Suicide was perceived as honorable, depending on circumstances.) Ix Tab may serve as escort to the afterlife, too.

ORIGIN:

Maya (Yucatan)

ICONOGRAPHY:

Ix Tab is portrayed as a dead woman, her eyes closed, swinging from heaven with a rope around her neck. Black circles ornament her face.

SEE ALSO:

• Xtabay
• Mayan Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.