Chía (goddess)

Moon Goddess Chia Preliminary Sketch by Alonso Neira Martinez

The goddess Chía (from the Chibcha language "the one who is like the moon"), is a triple goddess in the religion and mythology of Colombia in Precolumbian times. Of central importance to the pantheon, she was worshipped across various Muisca lands. In one of her many functions, Chía was considered to be the patron deity of the Zipa ruler, who governed the territory encompassing what is now Bogotá. Her ceremonial center was located in or around the city of Chía, Cundinamarca, which was aptly named for the goddess.

The Chyquys, or priests of the sacred calendar, were in charge of the ceremonies dedicated to the goddess, which included offerings of gold and ceramic artwork.

References

• http://www.cundinamarca.gov.co/cundinamarca/municipios/frm_municipio.asp?codigo=17
• http://www.chia.gov.co/portal/archivos/documentos/educacion/secretaria.de.educacion.de.chia.pdf