In the second paragraph I have quoted, the narrator introduces us to “the ancestress (_iyom_), the ancestor (_mamom_), by name Xpiyacoc, Xmucane.” These were prominent figures in Quiche mythology; they were the embodiments of the paternal and maternal powers of organic life; they were invoked elsewhere in the _Popol Vuh_ to favor the germination of seeds, and the creation of mankind; they are addressed as “ancestress of the sun, ancestress of the light.” The old man, Xpiyacoc, is spoken of as the master of divination by the _tzite_, or sacred beans; the old woman, Xmucane, as she who could forecast days and seasons (_ahgih_); they were the parents of those mighty ones “whose name was Ahpu,” masters of magic.[143] From this ancient couple, Ximenez tells us the native magicians and medicine men of his day claimed to draw their inspiration, and they were especially consulted touching the birth of infants, in which they were still called upon to assist in spite of the efforts of the padres. It is clear throughout that they represented mainly the peculiar functions of the two sexes. Their names perhaps belonged to an archaic dialect, and the Quiches either could not or would not explain them. All that Ximenez says is that Xmucane means _tomb_ or _grave_, deriving it from the verb _tin muk_, I bury. In most or all of the languages of this stock the root _muk_ or _muc_ means to cover or cover up. In Maya the passive form of the verbal noun is _mucaan_, of which the _Diccionario de Motul_[144] gives the translation “something covered or buried,” the second meaning arising naturally from the custom of covering the dead body with earth, and indicated that the mortuary rites among them were by means of interment; as, indeed, we are definitely informed by Bishop Landa.[145] The feminine prefix and the terminal euphonic _e_ give precisely _X-mucaan-e_, meaning “She who is covered up,” or buried. But while etymologically satisfactory, the appropriateness of this derivation is not at once apparent. Can it have reference to the seed covered by the soil, the child buried in the womb, the egg hidden in the nest, etc., and thus typify one of the principles or phases of reproduction? For there is no doubt, but that it is in the category of divinities presiding over reproduction this deity belongs. Not only is she called “primal mother of the sun and the light,”[146] but it is she who cooks the pounded maize from which the first of men were formed. Both names may be interpreted with appropriateness to the sphere and functions of their supposed powers, from radicals common to the Maya and Quiche dialects. _Xmucane_ may be composed of the feminine prefix _x_ (the same in sound and meaning as the English pronominal adjective _she_ in such terms as _she-bear_, _she-cat_): and _mukanil_, vigor, force, power.