Balam Quitze

Balam Quitzé, B'alam Quitzé, Balam Kitzé or Balam Ketzé is a character from Mayan mythology. He was the protector god of the fields and crops. He was worshiped before starting the planting. His face reminds of his parents, the jaguar kings. His name means "jaguar with the sweet smile". or "laughing jaguar", and for the Mayans he was the first man to be created from corn, after the great flood sent by the god Huracán. The gods created the woman Caha-Paluma specifically to marry him.

The other maize men were Balam Akab (earth jaguar), Mahucutah (the one who sits) and Iki Balam (moon jaguar). Balam Akab's wife was called Chomihá, which means Beautiful and Chosen Water; that of Mahucutah, Tzununihá which translates as Sparrow Water; and that of Iki Balam received the name of Caquixahá, Guacamaya Water.