Aids to the study of the Maya codices / by Cyrus Thomas.

  • Cyrus Thomas
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Aids to the study of the Maya codices / by Cyrus Thomas. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    125/132 (page 371)
    Dresden Codex (see Fig. 378), it signifies “footsteps” or the act of walking. As the Maya word Be signifies “journey,” “wood,” “ march,” and also “journeying” and “marching,” it is possible that this symbol is also phonetic, although apparently only a modified form of the footprint. This supposition is strongly supported by the fact that it is found in numerous and varied relations, single and in combination. The symbol for 20 (Kal), No. 1 of the preceding list, is apparently phonetic. This view appears to be confirmed by its use otherwise than as a numeral symbol at several points in the text of the Manu- script Troano. For example, in the third division of Plate Kal signifies to “imprison” or “inclose,” which is certainly appro- priate to what we see in the figure. As the symbol is over each of the three similar figures in the division, it is probable that it is intended to denote something relating to or observable in them. In a the second division of Plates XY * and XYI *, same codex, JjL is this symbol, several times repeated, and below each the 1 / d’.'.Y.TT figure of a priest or deity at work, each carving, with a mac]ief.e or hatchet, the head of an idol. The probable signification is “Give twice twenty strokes with a machete,” and hence is but partially phonetic. Other examples bearing on this question may be found, but these are believed to be sufficient to warrant the belief that at the time these codices were written Maya culture had reached that stage where the idea of phoneticism was being introduced into the writ- ing. Yet it is certain, and even susceptible of demonstration, that a large portion, perhaps the majority, of the characters are symbols. The more I study these characters the stronger becomes the con- viction that they have grown out of a pictographic system similar to that common among the Indians of North America. The first step in advance appears to have been to indicate, by characters, the gesture signs. XVII * it appears in this form, is the representation of an idol with a screen or basket, as shown while immediately below head in a vessel covered in Fig. 388. The Maya verb Fig. 388. Wooden idol in vessel with basket cover.