The Turtle

 

For the Maya the turtle was associated with water and with the earth. Not only are turtles found in aquatic habitats but their shells seem to have been associated with thunder because of their use as components of musical instruments such as drums. 

 

The Atlaslike Maya deity (Pauahtun) who supported the world on his shoulders is sometimes depicted wearing a turtle shell on his head. 

 

Reference:

https://www.buriedmirror.com/latest/uxmal/maya-symbology-turtle/#:~:text=For%20the%20Maya%20the%20turtle,musical%20instruments%20such%20as%20drums.