Who invented the kata?

Could you tell me, who was the individual or group responsible for the creation of the kata? I understand that kata is a fundamental aspect of many martial arts, particularly in the realm of Karate, and I'm quite curious about its origins. Was it a single master who developed the kata, or was it a collaborative effort among multiple practitioners? Additionally, could you provide some insight into the historical context surrounding the kata's invention and how it has evolved over time?