Mexican president posts photo of what he claims is an elf

Mexico’s president posted a photograph on his social media accounts exhibiting what he stated seemed to be a mythological woodland spirit just like an elf.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador didn’t appear to be joking when he posted the picture of an “Aluxe,” a mischievous woodland spirit in Mayan folklore.

López Obrador wrote the picture “was taken three days ago by an engineer, it appears to be an aluxe,” adding “everything is mystical”.

The blurry photo shows a tree with a branch forming what looks like a halo of hair, and what may be stars forming the figure’s eyes.

But Twitter’s fact-check department has poured cold water on the tweet’s claims.

Contrary to López Obrador’s claims, the photo is more than two years old and has already been widely reported on.

López Obrador has long expressed reverence for indigenous cultures and beliefs.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador posted a photo on Twitter of what he says is an elf. (AP)

According to traditional Mayan belief, “Aluxes” are small, mischievous creatures that inhabit forests and fields and are susceptible to enjoying tips on individuals, like hiding issues. Some individuals depart small choices to appease them.

The historic Mayan civilisation reached its peak from 300 AD to 900 AD on the Yucatan Peninsula and in adjoining elements of Central America, however the Mayas’ descendants proceed to stay on the peninsula.

Many proceed talking the Mayan language and carrying conventional clothes, whereas additionally conserving conventional meals, crops, faith and medication practices, regardless of the conquest of the area by the Spanish between 1527 and 1546.