resembled in both size and construction. At a depth of 9 feet the
end of a small building constructed of squared blocks of limestone
was brought to light. The walls were still standing to a height of 2
to 3 feet, and showed traces of a red stucco covering on their inner
surfaces. The cement floor of the building and the platform upon
which it stood could also be traced. Lying upon this floor were five
pottery vessels and an unfinished flint celt. Two of these vessels were
precisely similar to that shown in figure 73, _a_; one is a large,
circular, shallow plaque, of rather thick reddish-brown pottery, in
the center of which a small hole has been made, evidently with the
object of rendering the plaque useless. The last two vessels are
illustrated in figure 75, _a_, _b_. _A_ is an unusually large vessel
of very coarse, thick, red pottery, 18 inches high, which had probably
been used to contain corn or some such dry material, as the pottery
was too friable and soft for a cooking pot, or even to hold water.
_B_ is a small three-legged vase, 4 inches high, of coarse, unpainted
pottery. Each of these five vessels, with the exception of the plaque,
contained a single polished greenstone bead. The celt was roughly
blocked out of yellowish flint. No objects except those above described
were found with these vessels, nor were there any traces of human
burial. Excavations were made in the mound to the ground level, and it
was found to be composed below the platform upon which the building
stood of a solid mass of rubble and limestone held together by loose,
friable mortar. There are numerous groups of mounds of all sizes in
the neighborhood, and judging by these, and by the potsherds and flint
and obsidian chips which one finds strewn over the surface of the soil
in great profusion, it must have been a densely populated region at
one time. The two life-size human heads shown in figures 76 and 77
were found close to these two mounds in digging a posthole. Figure
76 represents a grotesque head cut from a solid block of crystalline
limestone. Figure 77 is a mask, rather crudely cut from greenstone and
unpolished. Both were buried in the marl and were unaccompanied by
other objects.
[Illustration: FIG. 76.--Head cut from limestone found in Mound
No. 32.]
[Illustration: FIG. 77.--Greenstone mask found in Mound No. 32.]
MOUND NO. 33
Mound No. 33 was situated near Bacalar, in the Province of Quintana
Roo, Mexico. It was 6 feet in height by 20 feet in diameter, and
was built of blocks of limestone, limestone dust, and earth. Near
the summit of this mound, close to the surface, was found the small
soapstone lamp illustrated in figure 78, 4-3/4 inches in length by
1-3/4 inches in depth. The lamp is decorated in front with a floral
design, and at the back by wing or feather-like ornaments, possibly
meant to represent the tail and half-folded wings of a bird. It is
finely polished throughout but had probably never been used, as in
hollowing out the interior the maker had carried one of his strokes too
close to the surface, making a small hole, which would have allowed the
oil to escape. There is a freedom and lack of conventionality, both
in the pleasing and natural floral design and in the flowing lines
of the back part of this little lamp, which are totally unlike the
cramped and highly conventional style to be observed in similar small
objects of ancient Maya manufacture. So widely does it differ from Maya
standards that there can be but little doubt that it was introduced in
post-Columbian days, probably very soon after the conquest, especially
as in the same mound was found one of the small painted clay figurines
so common in mounds in this neighborhood, which with the censers
probably belonged to the latest period of Maya culture.
[Illustration: PLATE 22
PAINTED CLAY FIGURINE FROM MOUND NO. 33]
Another explanation which suggests itself is that the lamp was buried
in the mound at a much later date (possibly during the troublous times
of the Indian rebellions, between 1840 and 1850) by someone who wished
to hide it temporarily, and that it had no connection with the original
purpose of the mound. No other objects were found in this mound, with
the exception of a number of potsherds, till the ground level was
reached, where, near the center of the mound, the painted clay figurine
shown in plate 22 was uncovered. This represents a deer with a human
head, whose headdress is the upper jaw of some mythological animal.
The back of the figure, which is hollow, contains a small opening near
the tail, covered with a conical plug of clay. Within were two small
beads, one of polished red shell, the other of polished greenstone. The
whole figurine had been coated with lime wash, over which were painted
black lines, dots, and circles.[57] The human face, earrings, gorget,
and part of the headdress are painted blue, while the mouth of both
the human face and the face in the headdress are painted red. Near the
figurine lay a vessel (fig. 79) of rough yellow pottery, unpainted and
undecorated, with two small ear-like projections just below the rim. No
bones and no trace of human burial were found in the mound.
[Illustration: FIG. 78.--Soapstone lamp found in Mound No. 33.]
MOUND NO. 34
[Illustration: FIG. 79.--Rough pottery vessel found in Mound No. 33.]
[Illustration: FIG. 80.--Objects found in Mound No. 34.]
Mound No. 34, situated near Progreso, in the northern district of
British Honduras, was 5 feet in height, roughly circular, and about
20 feet in diameter at the base. The mound was built throughout of
rough blocks of limestone, rubble, and earth. At the ground level,
about the center of the mound, were found large flat unworked flags,
which seemed to have formed the roof of a small cist that had caved
in. Beneath these were found a few fragments of bone, which crumbled
away as they were being removed, with a small spherical vase of rough
unpainted pottery, 1-1/2 inches in diameter (pl. 21, _a_). This was
decorated on the outside with a human head wearing a peaked headdress,
somewhat resembling the cap of liberty, and large circular ear plugs
in the ears. Below the head projected a pair of arms with the hands
clasped in front, supporting between them a small pottery ball. Within
this little vase, which was filled with earth and limestone dust,
were found: (a) A small earthenware bead (fig. 80, _a_). (b) A small,
very delicate obsidian knife, the tip of which is broken off, but
which otherwise shows hardly any signs of use (fig. 80, _b_). (c) The
terminal phalanx of a small and delicate finger, in a very fair state
of preservation (fig. 80, _c_). The burial of a terminal phalanx of
one of the fingers of the mother, with a favorite child, is not an
unknown custom among semicivilized peoples, and it is possible that
this little mound contains such an interment. The bones of the child
being fragile and deficient in calcareous matter, may well have almost
disappeared, while the finger bone of the mother, being of more compact
bony tissue, and protected to some extent by the vase in which it lay,
has been preserved. The crudeness of the modeling of the little vase
and of the face and arms thereon would suggest that it may have been
a plaything of the child during life, and even perhaps may have been
modeled by its own hands. The obsidian knife may have been used by
the mother to separate the bone at the last finger joint. The little
figure which decorates the outside of this vase closely resembles
those curious figures in a diving position, with arms pointed downward
and feet upward, which are not uncommon in this area. Figure 81 shows
one represented on the outside of a small vase; several are to be
found, molded in stucco, on the ruined buildings of Tuluum, on the
eastern coast of Yucatan, just below the island of Cozumel, and they
are occasionally, though rarely, found decorating pottery incense
burners, instead of the commoner representations of the Gods Itzamna
and Cuculcan. Neither Landa, Villagutierre, nor Cogolludo mention the
custom as practiced by Maya mothers or relatives on the deaths of their
children. Had it been prevalent at the time of the conquest it seems
hardly possible that such a practice could have escaped their notice;
on the other hand, if the solitary phalanx had not been buried with
the dead as a memorial, its presence under these circumstances is very
difficult to explain.
In nearly all extensive groups of mounds one or more middens, or refuse
mounds, are to be found. The four mounds next described, though varying
much from one another, are all distinctly of this type.
[Illustration: FIG. 81.--Figure in diving position on small vase.]
MOUND NO. 35
Mound No. 35 was situated near the Cayo, on the Mopan River; it forms
one of a group of about 30 mounds scattered over a considerable
area. It was 12 feet in height and seemingly had been about 30 feet
in diameter, but situated as it was, immediately on the river bank,
nearly half of it had been washed away by the floods of successive
rainy seasons, leaving a clean section almost through the center of the
mound, very favorable for observing its construction. The lowest layer,
1 to 2 inches in thickness, resting on the ground level, was composed
of ashes mixed with fragments of charcoal; above this was a layer of
earth and stones about 1 foot in thickness, and above this a further
layer of ashes; and so on to the top of the mound--strata of ashes
averaging 2 inches thick alternating with strata of earth averaging
about 1 foot. No objects with the exception of a few potsherds were
found in the earth layers, but the layers of ashes were rich in flint
and obsidian chips, fragments of conch and snail shells, clay beads and
malacates, potsherds in great variety and abundance, with the bones
of the deer, gibnut, and peccary. It would seem that this mound had
formed a sort of kitchen midden; that when a certain amount of refuse
had been deposited it was covered with a layer of earth, and that the
mound must have been in use for a considerable time to have reached its
present height.
Small mounds containing considerable quantities of ashes and charcoal
mixed with earth and stones, together with refuse material, as flint
and obsidian chips, broken implements, potsherds, bones, shells,
clay beads and malacates, and similar indestructible objects, are
not of infrequent occurrence, and probably mark the sites of ancient
kitchen middens. Two such mounds were found on the mainland, south of
the island of Tamalcab, in Chetumal Bay, Yucatan, situated in what
seemingly had been a village site, occupying an area of approximately
20 acres. Great numbers of potsherds, fragments of pottery, images,
beads, malacates, chips and broken implements of stone and obsidian,
broken metates, fragments of conch and cockle shells, stone water
troughs, and other indestructible rubbish were found scattered in great
profusion over the whole of this site.
MOUND NO. 36
Mound No. 36 was situated at Sarteneja, in the northern district of
British Honduras, quite close to the seashore. This mound was 2 feet 6
inches in height, about 12 feet in diameter; it was composed throughout
of conch shells mingled with cockle and whelklike shells. Nothing
except the shells was found in this mound, which forms one of a group
of similar mounds, evidently dumping places used by each house, for the
disposal of the shells of shellfish brought in from the reef by the
fishermen after the fish had been extracted and eaten.
MOUND NO. 37
Mound No. 37, situated close to the next preceding mound on the
seashore, at Sarteneja, is about 2 feet high by 12 to 15 feet in
diameter. It is composed almost entirely of fragments of rather rough
unpainted pottery and seemingly marks the site of a manufactory of this
class of ware, as great quantities of fragments are also to be found
scattered in all directions around the mound. A small quantity of earth
was mingled with the potsherds, but nothing else was found in the mound.
MOUND NO. 38
Mound No. 38, situated about 5 miles from Corozal, in the northern
district of British Honduras, was 6 feet in height by 15 feet in
diameter, with a flattened top. It was covered with a layer of humus
and contained nothing but fragments of weathered stone, of sizes
varying from small rubble to blocks weighing 30 to 40 pounds. Similar
mounds are found elsewhere and are apparently merely heaps of stones,
which have been picked up on the surface of the fields, as, unlike
other mounds, they contain no clay, limestone, or marl dust, mortar, or
other binding material and no trace of burials or any object of human
construction.
[Illustration: FIG. 82.--Design incised on femur of deer found in
Mound No. 39.]
MOUND NO. 39
Mound No. 39 was situated on Wild Cane Cay, a small island off the
southern coast of British Honduras. The island seems to have been built
up with stone and other material brought from the mainland and to
have been used as a burial place. Several small mounds are scattered
over the face of the island; unfortunately most of them had been dug
down for the sake of the stone they contained and the objects from
the graves lost or given away. Those which could be traced consisted
chiefly of copper ornaments, as rings, gorgets, and studs. Mound No.
39, the only one whose contents were ascertained with any degree of
accuracy, was a small circular mound 10 feet high, built of sand and
blocks of reef stone; near the ground level, about the center of the
mound, a single human interment was found, the bones of which were
in an advanced state of decay; mingled with these were: (a) A round
red earthenware pot, containing a few small circular beads made from
conch shell and five or six medium-sized, unused obsidian knives. (b)
A second somewhat larger pot, of the same shape and material, which
contained the upper part of the femur of a deer, on which is incised
the design shown in figure 82. This is neatly executed in shallow
lines; the upper part evidently represents a tiger, or the skin of
that animal, and is separated by a platted design from the lower,
which may be intended as a representation of the God Itzamna. With
the bone were two objects of copper, one a finger ring constructed of
thin flat bands two-fifths inch apart, joined by double scrolls; this
is very much worn, either from use or from oxidization, consequent on
long exposure in the damp soil. The second copper object (fig. 83) was
probably used as a gorget, or for attachment to a headdress, as at
the back is seen a cruciform grille, evidently intended to hold it in
place. This object is in the form of a human face, the lower part with
its large mouth, thick prominent lips, and flattened nose, exhibiting
marked negroid characteristics, which the upper part with its bulging
prominent forehead contradicts. The headdress is ornamented with three
spikes passing along the sagittal suture from front to back, while
under the chin is a projection probably intended to represent a short
beard. The ring and ornament are both strongly suggestive of Spanish
influence, as the face with its thick lips, flattened nose, and bulging
forehead is totally unlike any type with which the Maya were likely to
come in contact, unless, indeed, it were the Carib, who even at this
early date had possibly formed small settlements as far north as the
southern coast of British Honduras. If the objects were of Spanish
origin they were probably obtained from some Spanish settlement farther
north, possibly Bakhalal, as there was no settlement between that town
and the coast of Guatemala till many years after the conquest. That
the cult of Itzamna was still flourishing is shown by the effigy of
the god incised on the deer bone, and according to Villagutierre, the
Indians of this neighborhood up to the end of the seventeenth century
were closely allied to the Itzaex,[58] who still freely practiced their
ancient religious rites.
[Illustration: FIG. 83.--Copper object found in Mound No. 39.]
MOUND NO. 40
Mound No. 40, situated near Pueblo Nuevo, on the Rio Hondo, consisted
of a ridge about 10 feet high by 40 feet in length. On the summit of
the ridge near its center, covered only by a layer of humus, was found
a small rough three-legged vase 3 inches high, containing a single
long, polished, greenstone bead. The upper part of the ridge was
found to consist of blocks of limestone, limestone dust, and rubble,
on removing which to a depth of about 4 feet the ruins of a building
were brought to light (fig. 84). The bones were in so poor a state of
preservation that it was difficult to determine the exact position in
which the body had been placed at the time of burial; it had, however,
certainly been fully extended.
Close to the head were found fragments of three round bowls, all
precisely similar in both size and coloring. Each was of the shape
shown in figure 71, _b_, 3-1/2 inches high by 6-1/2 inches in diameter,
and was made of rather fine ash-colored pottery, finely polished. Each
of these bowls before burial had the bottom knocked out. The mound
beneath the building was composed of blocks of limestone, rubble, and
limestone dust, forming a tough, solid, compact mass. This would seem
to have been a small private house, not a temple, which (probably on
account of the death of its owner) had been deliberately wrecked, and
the owner's body buried beneath the cement floor of the one chamber
remaining partially intact. Fresh cement seems to have been applied
over the grave before the greater part of the house was pulled down and
the wreckage piled up, to form a capping to the mound upon which the
house stood.
[Illustration: FIG. 84.--Ruins found in Mound No. 40. These consisted
of broken-down walls about 2 feet high,
joining each other at right angles.
Of the wall _A-B_, 10 feet remained standing;
of the wall _B-C_, 8 feet. The shaded space
included between the walls was covered with
hard smooth cement, which had been broken
away to a rough edge at its outer border
and was continuous at its inner border with
the stucco which was still partly adherent
to the walls. The walls themselves were built
of blocks of limestone (squared on their
outer surfaces but rough within), rubble,
and mortar; they were nearly 2 feet thick.
The long diameter of the ridge pointed
almost due east and west. An excavation was
made in the cement floor, and at the depth
of 18 inches, at the point marked _D_, a
single interment was brought to light.]
MOUND NO. 41
Mound No. 41 was situated in the northern district of British Honduras,
about 9 miles from Corozal. It consisted of a circular wall or rampart
varying from 4 to 10 feet in height, inclosing a space 30 yards in
diameter. The wall was built of earth and blocks of limestone, and in
places had become considerably flattened out from the action of the
heavy tropical rains of this region. To the north an opening or gap
existed about 10 yards across. Excavations were made in the encircling
wall of the inclosure, and also in the central space, but nothing
except fragments of pottery was discovered.
Mounds of this kind are found throughout the area, though not in
great numbers. Some of these are circular or horseshoe shaped, some
crescentic, and others curved or even straight ridges. As a rule they
contain nothing except a few potsherds, which would naturally be picked
up with the earth of which most of them are made; in some, however
(especially in the straight ridges), superficial interments have been
found. These mounds were probably used as fortifications, the circular,
horseshoe-shaped, and crescentic mounds being particularly well adapted
to this purpose.
At Yalloch, just across the Guatemala boundary line from Choro, a
small village in the western district of British Honduras, the Alcalde
made a remarkable discovery a few years ago. While hunting for a
gibnut he traced one to a hole in the ground; on poking a stick into
this hole, he was astonished on withdrawing it to find that he had
brought out on its end a small painted pottery cylinder. The hole on
being enlarged proved to be the entrance to a _chultun_, one of those
curious underground chambers cut in the limestone rock found throughout
Yucatan and the northern part of British Honduras, especially in the
neighborhood of ruins. This _chultun_ contained numbers of fragments
of very finely painted and decorated pottery vases, together with two
complete cylindrical vases, an ovoid vase, and a pottery cylinder
without bottom. Some of these were within the _chultun_, some in a
pit sunk in its floor, from which at a later date several pieces of
beautifully decorated pottery were taken. The pit had evidently been
used as a burial place, in which the memorial pottery was deposited
with the body. Merwin found similar painted Maya vases some years later
in a chamber covered by a mound, at Holmul, within a few miles of
Yalloch, and at Platon, on the Mopan River, a sepulchral _chultun_ was
cleared out in which human bones still remained. (Pls. 23-28.)
Near the point where Blue Creek or Rio Azul joins the Rio Hondo, in the
northern district of British Honduras, is situated in the bush about
100 yards from the latter river a small circular lagoon, of a deep
blue color and considerable depth; from this flows a narrow stream,
also deep blue in color and highly impregnated with copper, which
opens into the main river just below the mouth of the Rio Azul. The
little lake is bounded on its eastern side by an almost perpendicular
cliff of limestone, in which are several small caves and one large
cave. The interior of one of the smallest of these caverns, situated
near the base of the cliff, not more than a few yards in depth, was
roughly hewn out so as to form shelves. Upon these were found several
hundred small binequins of incense, varying in size from 3 to 4 inches
in length by 1-1/2 to 2 inches in breadth, to 8 to 10 inches in length
by 3 to 4 inches in breadth. The incense was composed of the gum of
the white acacia mixed with various aromatic substances; when burned
it gave off a very pleasant odor. The gum had evidently been poured
while in a liquid state into small bags, made of palm leaves, as in
some of the binequins considerable fragments of the palm leaves were
still adherent to the copal, and in all, casts of the leaves were left
on the soft surface of the gum before it solidified. The binequins
which the present-day Maya Indians manufacture as receptacles for
their homemade lime, though vastly larger, are precisely similar in
shape, construction, and appearance to those their ancestors used
as receptacles for copal. The entrance to the large cave was near
the summit of the cliff and so difficult to reach that it can never
have been long used as a place of residence, though it would form an
exceedingly strong position to hold against an attack from without, as
it is necessary to cross a fallen tree trunk in order to enter, and
this might easily be hauled back into the cave or pushed away from
its mouth, leaving it practically inaccessible. Nothing was found in
the cave except a large quantity of bats' excrement and of rough red
potsherds.
TWO PAINTED STUCCO FACES FROM UXMAL
Two human faces molded in stucco and painted were discovered in a small
stone-lined chamber situated beneath one of the end rooms of the Casa
del Gobernador in the ruins of Uxmal, northern Yucatan. The room was
accidentally disclosed by the caving in of a small part of its roof.
One of its walls was covered, above a stone cornice, by a frieze of
hieroglyphs, and against this wall stood a small square stone altar,
each side of which had been decorated with a human figure molded in
stucco and painted. Unfortunately these figures had fallen: the two
heads here described are the best preserved parts of them which remain.
Describing the sculpture in stone which adorns the outside of the Casa
del Gobernador, Stevens ventures the opinion that some of the heads
were portraits of celebrated men of the period.
The discovery of this chamber is extremely interesting, as it opens up
the possibility that many, if not all, of these vast substructures,
built apparently of solid stone, which throughout Yucatan support more
or less ruined buildings, may in fact be honeycombed with chambers.
Stevens first suggests the possibility of this. Unfortunately since
Stevens's day little or nothing has been done throughout Yucatan in the
way of excavation to verify the truth of his surmise.
Of the two heads now described, one probably represents a male, the
other a female; there is, moreover, a marked individuality about each
of them which renders it extremely probable that they are portraits,
possibly of some "Halach Uinic" (real man, or chief) of Uxmal and his
wife, during the palmy days of the triple alliance.
Each face is painted black with white circles round the orbital margin,
red rims to the eyes, and brick-red oval patches at either angle of
the mouth. The center of each upper lip is decorated by a figure 8
shaped labret, the lower portion of which has been broken away in
the male head. Over the bridge of each nose is a curious ornament
consisting of a small oblong object with rounded corners, held in
place by a loop passing down the median line of the bridge. Over the
center of the forehead in both faces hangs a pendant, that of the male
composed of four small round beads, that of the female appearing as a
rounded comblike excrescence. Traces of the headdresses remain as a
few feathers above each forehead. Both heads were probably held within
widely distended animal jaws, as a part of the lower jaw is seen below
the chin in the male head, where also the large circular red ear plug
still remains on the right side. The measurements of the faces are as
follows:
_Male._--Top of headdress to bottom of lower jaw of animal head holding
the face, 11-3/10 inches; top of headdress to bottom of chin, 9-3/10
inches; forehead below headdress, to bottom of chin, 8-3/10 inches;
extreme breadth of face (midway between a transverse line passing
through the pupils and one passing immediately beneath the lower margin
of the nasal septum), 7-1/10 inches; extreme breadth at level of the
pupils, 7 inches; length of nose, 2-6/10 inches; breadth of nose,
1-6/10 inches.
_Female._--Top of headdress to bottom of chin, 10-4/10 inches; forehead
below headdress to bottom of chin, 8-8/10 inches; greatest breadth of
face, at same level as the male, 7-8/10 inches; greatest breadth at the
level of eyes, 7-6/10 inches; length of nose, 2-8/10 inches; breadth of
nose, 1-9/10 inches.
The city of Uxmal belongs to the later, or northern Maya, civilization.
Unlike the earlier southern cities, Uxmal is without a single initial
series date by which its age might be approximately determined. It
was founded by Achuitok Tutulxu, probably about the year 1000 of the
Christian era. In the "Series of Katuns from the Book of Chilam Balam
of Mani" the date given is Katun 2 Ahau, whereas in that from Tizimin
it is recorded as having taken place 180 years later.[60] The cities
of Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Mayapan formed a triple alliance, which
lasted for nearly 200 years, during probably the most prosperous
period of the whole Maya rule in Yucatan. After the disruption of
this alliance, caused by a quarrel between the rulers of Chichen Itza
and Mayapan, Uxmal gradually declined in prosperity, till at the time
of the conquest its temples and palaces seem to have been completely
abandoned. The city was visited in 1586 by the Franciscan delegate
Alonzo Ponce, one of whose companions gives an interesting account of
the ruins. Describing the house of the governor, he says:
Besides these four buildings there is on the south of them, distant
from them about an arquebus shot, another very large building built
on a "Mul" or hill made by hand, with abundance of buttresses on
the corners made of massive carved stones. The ascent of this "mul"
is made with difficulty, since the staircase by which the ascent is
made is now almost destroyed. The building which is raised on this
"mul" is of extraordinary sumptuousness and grandeur, and like the
others very fine and beautiful. It has on its front, which faces
the east, many figures and bodies of men and of shields, and of
forms like the eagle which are found on the arms of the Mexicans,
as well as of certain characters and letters which the Maya Indians
used in old time--all carved with so great dexterity as surely to
excite admiration. The other façade, which faces the west, showed
the same carving, although more than half the carved part had
fallen. The ends stood firm and whole with their four corners much
carved in the round, like those of the other building below.... The
Indians do not know surely who built these buildings or when they
were built, though some of them did their best in trying to explain
the matter, but in doing so showed foolish fancies and dreams, and
nothing fitted into the facts or was satisfactory. The truth is
that to-day the place is called Uxmal, and an intelligent old
Indian declared to the father delegate that according to what the
ancients had said it was known that it was more than nine hundred
years since the buildings were built.[59]
From this account there appears to be little doubt that at the time of
the conquest the great buildings of Uxmal were deserted and already
falling into ruins. In the minds of the Indians they were evidently
associated with the practice of their ancient religious rites at a much
later date, for one of the reasons given by the regidor when he applied
for a grant of the land upon which the ruins stand was that--
It would prevent the Indians in those places from worshipping the
devil in the ancient buildings which are there, having in them
idols to which they burn copal, and performing other detestable
sacrifices as they are doing every day notoriously and
publicly.[61]
The ruins of Uxmal were probably venerated by the Indians up to a very
recent period, as in one of the chants used by the modern Maya of
southern Yucatan in their "Cha chac" or rain ceremony the "Noh Nah ti
Uxmal," "Great house of Uxmal," is introduced, which possibly refers to
the Casa del Gobernador, as this is the largest building among the
ruins.
[Illustration: PLATE 23
POTTERY VASE FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA]
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 23
The ovoid vase shown in plate 23 is 11 inches high by 6-1/2 inches
in diameter at its widest part. It is of very fine pottery, with
decorations in red, black, and reddish yellow on a background of
light yellow. The outer surface is divided by double black lines
into three zones. The uppermost and narrowest zone contains,
between a broad red band above and two narrow black bands below, a
row of 10 glyphs surrounding the edge of the vase. The middle zone,
the broadest, contains upon one side (unfortunately the decoration
upon the other side has been almost obliterated by time or wear) a
human figure, in a crouching position, the right hand extended, the
left resting upon the ground. The face is in profile, and around
the left eye is seen the ornament usually associated with the
representation of a god. This may be intended to represent
Schellhas's God D of the Codices, known as the Roman-nosed God,
probably Itzamna, as this peculiar eye ornament is often associated
with him. The headdress is exceedingly elaborate, projecting far in
front of and behind the head, and is decorated with plumes of
feathers. The whole figure strongly suggests the bas-relief on the
side of the door of the altar at Palenque, which is undoubtedly a
representation of the god Itzamna. The curious eye ornaments, the
construction of the elaborate headdress, the contour, of the face,
and the platted objects hanging down in front of and behind the
chest, from the neck, are similar in both. The lowest zone is
decorated with vases having handles at the sides, narrow necks, and
flaring rims from which project flame-like tongues; on the outer
surface of each is depicted an "Ahau" sign. The vases alternate
with curious objects which might represent bales of merchandise;
the whole, indeed, closely resembles the tribute count of some
Aztec city.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 24
The cylindrical vase shown in plate 24 is 6 inches in diameter by
11 inches high. It is divided into three zones, the uppermost of
which contains a single row of hieroglyphics, in fair preservation,
between a broad red band above and two narrow black bands below.
The middle zone, by far the broadest, contains two very spirited
representations of the Long-nosed God, one on each side of the
vase, done in red, black, white, and dark yellow. The Long-nosed
God, called by Schellhas in his "Representation of Deities of the
Maya Manuscripts" God B, is usually identified with Cuculcan, the
feathered serpent; the Aztec Quetzalcoatl. This god is usually
represented with a long pendulous nose and one or two projecting
tusks, and is almost in variably associated with the serpent. The
head of the god is often held between the serpent's open jaws, or
has added to it a serpentine body; again the god may be encircled
by intertwining serpents, or may hold the reptile's body in his
hand, like a wand. Though the serpentine attributes of the god are
in this instance conspicuous by their absence, and the tapir
attributes are emphasized, there can be little doubt that the
painting is meant to represent God B, as the long pendulous nose
and projecting tusks are highly characteristic of that god. The
lowest and narrowest zone of this vase is covered with alternating
red and black lines.
[Illustration: PLATE 24
POTTERY VASE FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA]
[Illustration: PLATE 25
POTTERY VASE FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA]
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 25
The cylindrical vase shown in plate 25 is 7-1/2 inches in height by
4-1/2 inches in diameter. The whole of the decoration upon it is in
light and dark red on a light yellow background, and, like the two
previously described vases, it is divided into three decorative
zones. The uppermost zone contains a single row of glyphs, almost
indecipherable, apparently from constant use of the vase before it
was buried. The middle zone contains two very remarkable
mythological creatures, one on each side, whose feather-covered
bodies, long legs, and large feet are suggestive of the ostrich.
The necks are long and covered with flame-like projections, and
both they and the heads, with their huge elongated jaws, are
evidently intended for those of feathered serpents. The lowest zone
of the vase is narrow, and contains only a narrow and a broad red
stripe.
EXPLANATION OF PLATES 26, 27, AND 28
The pottery cylinder shown in plates 26, 27, and 28 is 10-1/2
inches high by 4 inches in diameter and is without a bottom. It is
most exquisitely decorated in light and dark red and dark yellow on
a light yellow background, and is also divided into three
decorative zones. The uppermost zone contains only a single row of
hieroglyphs, very much defaced, among which may still be recognized
several of the Maya day signs. The middle zone, by far the
broadest, is covered by a most intricate design, containing human
and mythological figures and hieroglyphs, with ornamental plumes,
plats, and pendants; the whole, owing to the partial obliteration
of the design, being extremely difficult to make out. On one side
is seen a highly conventional representation of what is undoubtedly
intended for the feathered serpent, with tail bent around to join
the upper part of the head. The feathered serpent appears to
permeate all Maya art in this section of the Maya area; whether
painted on pottery or stucco, or incised on bone, pottery, or other
material, one encounters him at every step. The serpent rests upon
a row of glyphs, very much defaced, and below this is a mass of
bows, knots, plumes, and glyphs. Farther along is a fierce-faced
human figure, probably a warrior, with lofty and elaborate
headdress, ornamented with many long feather plumes. Between the
warrior and the serpent is a row of eight cartouches, superimposed
one upon the other, each containing glyphs, a good deal defaced,
among which the "Ahau" sign may still be clearly made out. The
opening glyph in this panel may refer to the katun 8 Ahau. This
katun can end in 8 Ahau only once in 260 years, or twice in the
ninth cycle, namely, on 9.0.0.0.0.8 Ahau, 3 Ceh, and on
9.13.0.0.0.8 Ahau, 8 Uo; and it is reasonable to suppose that if
this is a calendar record it refers to some date in the ninth
cycle. Naranjo, the nearest ancient Maya city to Yalloch, was
occupied for a period of approximately 12 katuns, or 240 years,[62]
between 9.7.10.0.0 and 9.19.10.0.0; if this glyph, therefore,
refers to a katun ending in 8 Ahau in the ninth cycle, the date
9.13.0.0.0 is certainly indicated.
[Illustration: PLATE 26
POTTERY CYLINDER FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA
(OTHER VIEWS IN PLATES 27 AND 28)]
[Illustration: PLATE 27
POTTERY CYLINDER FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA
(OTHER VIEWS IN PLATES 26 AND 28)]
[Illustration: PLATE 28
POTTERY CYLINDER FROM YALLOCH, GUATEMALA
(OTHER VIEWS IN PLATES 26 AND 27)]
AUTHORITIES CITED
BRINTON, DANIEL G. The Maya chronicles. Brinton's Library
Aboriginal American Literature, vol. I. Phila. 1882.
CHARNAY, DÉSIRÉ. Voyage au Yucatan et au pays des Lacandons. _La
Tour du Monde_, vol. XLVII, pp. 1-96; vol. XLVIII, pp. 33-48.
Paris, 1884.
COGOLLUDO, JUAN LOPEZ DE. Historia de Yucathan. Madrid, 1688.
GANN, THOMAS. On exploration of two mounds in British Honduras.
_Proc. Soc. Ant. London_, 2d ser., vol. XV, pp. 430-434. London,
1894-95.
---- On the contents of some ancient mounds in Central America.
Ibid., 2d ser., vol. XVI, pp. 308-317. London, 1896-97.
---- Mounds in northern Honduras. _Nineteenth Rept. Bur. Amer.
Ethn._, pt. 2, pp. 655-692. Washington, 1900.
JOYCE, THOMAS A. Mexican archæology. New York, 1914.
LANDA, DIEGO DE. Relation des choses de Yucatan. Texte Espagnol et
traduction Française. Published by Brasseur de Bourbourg. Paris,
1864.
MALER, TEOBERT. Researches in the central portion, of the
Usumatsintla Valley. Pt. 2. _Mem. Peabody Mus._, vol. II, no. 2.
Cambridge, 1903.
---- Explorations in the Department of Peten, Guatemala. _Mem.
Peabody Mus._, vol. IV, no. 2. Cambridge, 1908.
MAUDSLAY, A. P. Explorations in Guatemala. _Proc. Royal Geog.
Soc._, vol. V, no. 4, pp. 185-204. London, 1883.
MORLEY, SYLVANUS GRISWOLD. An introduction to the study of the
Maya hieroglyphs. _Bull. 57_, _Bur. Amer. Ethn._ Washington, 1915.
RELACION de la villa de Valladolid. _Actas Cong. Int. Amer._,
Madrid, 1881. vol. II Madrid, 1884.
RELACION de los pueblos de Popola y Sínsimato y Samíol. _Coleccion
de documentos ineditos, relativos al descubrimiento, conquista y
colonizacion de las posesiones Espanolas en America y Oceania._ 2d
ser., vol. XIII. Madrid, 1900.
SPINDEN, H. J. A study of Maya art. _Mem. Peabody Mus._, vol. VI.
Cambridge, 1913.
STEPHENS, JOHN L. Incidents of travel in Yucatan. Vols. I-II. New
York, 1843.
THOMAS, CYRUS. Day symbols of the Maya year. _Sixteenth Rep. Bur.
Amer. Ethn._, pp. 205-264. Washington, 1897.
TOZZER, ALFRED M. A preliminary study of the prehistoric ruins of
Nakum, Guatemala. _Mem. Peabody Mus._, vol. V, no. 3. Cambridge,
1913.
---- Comparative study of the Mayas and Lacandones. _Pub.
Archæol. Inst. Amer._ New York, 1907.
VILLAGUTIERRE, JUAN DE. Historia de la conquista de la provincia
de el Itza ... a las provincias de Yucatan. [Madrid], 1701.
INDEX
Page
AGRICULTURE, most important occupation of Indians, 20
ALCOHOL, effect on Indian temperament, 34
AMULETS, worn by women, 19
ANIMALS--
Domestic, kept by ancient inhabitants, 55
kept for pets, 25
ARTS OF THE ANCIENTS, fine examples discovered, 53
BASKETS, making of, 30
BLEEDING, favorite remedy, 37
BONES, measurements of, 51
BRISTOL MUSEUM, objects from collection of, 13
BRITISH HONDURAS, NORTHERN, geographical description of, 14
BRITISH MUSEUM, objects from collection of, 13
CANDLES, method of making, 31
CANOES--
making of, 28
used for trading along rivers, 29
CEREMONIES, the four principal, 42
CEREMONY, CHA CHAC, at ripening of corn, description, 42
CHARMS worn by women, 19
CHIEF--
power practically absolute, 35
rarely dies natural death, 35
strongest subchief usually succeeds, 35
CHILDBIRTH, methods of facilitating, 38
CHILDREN, love for and disposition of, 33
CHRONOLOGY, three periods of Mayan civilization, 58
CIGARETTES--
making of, 30
smoked by women, 17
COOKING, native methods of, 22
COOKING UTENSILS, description of, 27
CORN--
harvesting and storing of, 20
preparation of ground and planting of, 20
surplus sold or exchanged, 20
CORN HUSKS, wrappers for cigarettes, 30
CORN PLANTATION. _See_ Milpa.
"CUHUN RIDGES"--
description of, 14
sites of ancient mounds, 14
sites of modern villages, 14
DEATH SENTENCE, how executed, 35
DIET--
description of, 21
maize staple article of, among ancient inhabitants, 55
DISEASES--
bleeding for, 37
eye trouble, remedy for, 38
intestinal parasites, 37
malaria, 36
smallpox, 37
venereal, 37
whooping cough, remedy for, 38
DRESS--
ancient inhabitants, 52
ancient priests, 52
ancient warriors, 52
now principally English and American goods, 19
DRUNKENNESS--
curse of the Indians, 34
not considered a disgrace, 34
FIRE, methods of making, 22
FISH--
methods of catching, 25
varieties of, 25
FISHING--
harpooning at night, 25
methods of, 25
torch used in, 25
FOOD--
animals used as, by ancient inhabitants, 55
kind and method of eating modified by contact with
more civilized communities, 22
method of serving and eating, 22
preparation and serving of, 21
snakes used as, 24
turtles' eggs used as, 24
FOWLS, use of, in Cha chac ceremony, 45
FURNITURE--
description of, 27
hammocks conspicuous articles of, 27
GAME--
pursuit of, 23
traps used in capturing, 24
GAME BIRDS AND ANIMALS--
list of, 24
preparation and curing of, for future use, 21
GAMES--
of the ancient inhabitants, 56
played by adults and children, 39
HAMMOCKS--
conspicuous articles of furniture, 27
hiding places for "cooties", 27
HEADDRESSES--
ancient warriors and priests, 52
animals carved in wood, 52
HENEQUEN FIBER--
method of cleaning, 30
uses of, 31
HOMES, not particular as to cleanliness of, 16
HOOKWORMS, prevalent, due to earth-eating habits of
children, 37
HOUSES--
ancient, description of, 53
built with assistance of neighbors, 26
method of construction, 26
HUNTING, torch used in, 24
ICAICHE, estimate of population, 13
IMMORALITY, brought about by cheapness of rum, 33
INDIANS, causes of early deaths, 34
ITZAS, occupying western British Honduras, 13
LIVERPOOL MUSEUM, objects from collection of, 13
MACAPAL--
carried by children, causing bowlegs, 16
description of its use, 15
habits acquired by constant carrying of, 16
weighted with stones as counterpoise in traveling, 16
MACHETE, used as tool and weapon, 28
MALARIA--
chief scourge of Indians, 36
treated by sweating, 36
MARRIAGE--
age of, 32
all degrees of racial mixture, 34
ceremony often delayed, 33
Maya women to Negro men common, 33
not legal among Santa Cruz unless performed by
certain official, 33
obligation somewhat loose, 33
usually by Catholic priest, 33
MASSAGE, practiced by midwives, 38
MAYA, progenitors of present inhabitants, 15
MEDICINE, list of plants used as, 38
MEN--
cruelty of, often in nature of reprisal, 18
dress of, 18
example of cruelty of master to servant, 18
have no desire to accumulate wealth, 18
mental characteristics of, 17
occupation of, 17
skillful in finding routes and in following tracks, 18
stoical in bearing pain, 18
METATE--
superseded by hand mills, 17
use of, 21
MILPA--
many fruits and vegetables grown in, 20
preparation of, 20
MOCCASINS, making of, 19
MOSQUITOES, carriers of malaria, 36
MOUNDS--
abundant on fertile soil, 50
classification of, 49
contents indicate physical appearance of ancient
inhabitants, 51
manner of construction, 65
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, objects from collection
of, 13
ODOR, peculiar, 16
OILS, for cooking and lighting, 31
ORNAMENTS, worn by ancient inhabitants, 52
"PINE RIDGES," description of, 14
PLANTS, list of, used as medicine, 38
POTTERY--
ancient, description of, 54
ancient, ornamentation of, 54
slight attempt at decoration, 28
POTTERY MAKING--
exclusively by older women, 28
no polish, glaze, or paint applied, 28
rendered unnecessary by iron pots and earthenware, 17
PROPERTY, disposition of, at death, 33
PUNISHMENT--
fine, flogging, and death only methods of, 35
for witchcraft or sorcery, 36
imprisonment as, unknown, 35
RELIGION--
ancient inhabitants, 56
Catholic priests not permitted for many years, 41
Christianity a thin veneer, 42
four principal ceremonies, 42
human sacrifice by the ancient inhabitants, 57
Indian conception of, 40
native priests appointed, 41
RELIGIOUS ALTARS, draped and decorated, 28
RUM--
made locally, 34
women usually drink privately, 34
SANDALS, worn by ancient inhabitants, 52
SANTA CRUZ TRIBE--
emigration of, 13
estimate of population, 13
measurements of, 15
physical description of, 15
policy of extermination of, by Mexican Government, 13
SMALLPOX--
terrible scourge, 37
treatment for, often disastrous, 37
SNAKES USED AS FOOD, 24
SPINNING--
method of, 29
no longer practiced, 17
universal among ancient women, 55
SPIRITS, belief in, 40
SUPERSTITION, "Santa Cruz" oracle, 41
SURGERY, practice of, 37
TEETH, filed and filled with plugs, 51
TOBACCO--
curing of, 30
vanilla leaves mixed with, to give flavor and
fragrance, 30
TORCH USED IN FISHING, 25
TORTILLAS, preparation and cooking of, 21
TRAPS USED IN CAPTURING GAME, 24
TURKEY, use of, in Cha chac ceremony, 45
VILLAGES--
description of, 32
foreigners not permitted to reside in, 32
frequent changes of sites, 27
locations of, carefully concealed, 32
WEAPONS--
defensive, of ancient inhabitants, 53
offensive, of ancient inhabitants, 52
WEAVING--
method of, 29
no longer practiced, 17
WOMEN--
dress of, 19
in gala costume present attractive appearance, 16
industrious workers, 17
jewelry and ornaments worn by, 19
obscene and disgusting language used by, 16
occupation of, 17
personal cleanliness of, 16
physically and mentally superior to men, 16
social characteristics of, 16
YUCATAN, geographical description of, 14
YUCATECAN TRIBES, immigration into northern British
Honduras, 13
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Que los indios eran muy dissolutos en bever y emboracharse,
de que les seguian muchos males, como matarse unos a otros, violar las
camas ... y pegar fuego a sus casas.--LANDA, _Relación de las Cosas de
Yucatan_, chap. XXII, p. 122.
[2] In 1859 a mission was dispatched by the superintendent of
British Honduras to the chiefs of the Santa Cruz, with the object of
rescuing Spanish prisoners held by them. The following account is from
"A narrative of a journey across the unexplored portion of British
Honduras, with a sketch of the history and resources of the colony," by
Henry Fowler, colonial secretary (Belize, 1879):
"That night as usual all the available Indians in Bacalar arrived in
front of the home where the Santa Cruz is kept. The boy attendants or
sentries on the idol, called angels, were in front of it and the drums
and bugles sounded at recurring parts of the song. The chief was inside
with the image and the angels. The subordinate chiefs and soldiers knelt
outside, and did not rise until the service was over, when they crossed
themselves and rubbed their foreheads in the dust. About 11 o'clock the
Indians were heard running backward and forward, and an order was given
to bring out the prisoners, who were placed in a line before the Santa
Cruz, and a large body of soldiers were placed with them. They all knelt
down in the road. There were about 40 female prisoners, with one arm
tied to the side, and 12 or 14 men pinioned by both arms. All were calm,
except the children, although it was known Santa Cruz was pronouncing
their doom. A squeaking whistling noise was heard issuing from the
oracle, and when it ceased it was known the Santa Cruz wanted a higher
ransom from the prisoners. * * *
"Some of the women and children were separated from the rest, amongst
whom was a young Spanish girl well known in high circles. A procession
was then formed and marched off to the east gate; first came a strong
body of troops, then alternately in Indian file, a male prisoner and his
executioner, who drove him on with his machete, holding him by a rope;
next came the women, 35 in number, driven and held in a similar manner;
then another body of soldiers closed the rear; the Englishmen were not
allowed to follow. The procession halted under a clump of trees about
150 yards off. And soon the butchery commenced; shrieks were heard, but
in 10 minutes all was over.
"The Santa Cruz was mixed up with some Catholic rites, but retains the
leading characteristics of the god who was best propitiated by placing
bleeding human hearts within his lips."
In 1863 the Icaichè were beaten by the Santa Cruz, and, says the
chronicler: "The account of the slaughter and human sacrifice made on
that occasion is appalling."
[3] "Los _chaces_ eran quatro hombres ancianos elegidos siempre
de nuevo para ayudar al sacerdote a bien y complidamente hazer las
fiestas."--LANDA, op. cit., chap. XXVII, p. 160.
[4] "En contrario llamavanse y se llaman oy los sacerdotes en
esta lengua de Maya _Ahkin_, que se deriva de un verbo _kinyah_, que
significa 'sortear ó echar suertes.'"--LANDA, ibid., p. 362.
[5] Landa, ibid., chaps. XXXV, p. 212; XXXVI, p. 222.
[6] Que estas gentes tuvieron mas de XX años de abundancia y de
salud y se multiplicaron tanto que toda la tierra parescia un pueblo, y
que entonces se labraron los templos en tanta muchedumbre, como se vee
oy en dia por todas partes y que atravesando por montes se veen entre
las arboledas assientos de casas y edificios labrados a
maravilla.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 58.
[7] Que en Años passados tuvieron quatro Batallas con los
Indios Aycales (que son los Mopanes) Chinamitas, y Tulunquies, y
Taxchinchán, Nob, y Acabob, Zuacuanob, Ahtimob, Teyucunob, Ahchemob,
Ahcamulob ... y que todas estas Naciones estavan viviendo juntas al
Leste, ú Oriente, y que de aquél I'eten, á sus Poblaciones, avia nueve
dias de Camino, que era el que ellos gastavan en ir á
ellas.--VILLAGUTIERRE, Historia de la conquista de la provincia de el
Itza, p. 554.
[8] Son en lo personal, estos Indios Itzaex, bien agestados;
color trigueño, mas claro que el de los de Yucatán. Son agiles, y de
buenos cuerpos, y rostros, aunque algunos se los rayavan, por señales de
valentia. Traian las Cabellaras largas, quanto pueden crezer: Y assi, es
lo mas dificultoso en los Indios el reduzirlos á cortarles el pelo;
porque el traerlo largo, es señal de Idolatria.--VILLAGUTIERRE, op.
cit., p. 498.
Que los Indios de Yucatan son bien dispuestos y altos y rezios y de
muchas fuercas.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 112.
[9] Que las indias criavan sus hijitos en toda asperaza y
desnudez del mundo, porque a cuatro o cinco dias nacida la criatura la
ponian tendidita en un lecho pequeño hecho de varillas, y allí boca
abaxo le ponian entre dos tablillas la cabeça, la una en el colodrillo,
y la otro en la frente, entre las quales se le appretavan reciamento y
le tenían allí padeciendo hasta que acabados algunos dias le quedava la
cabeça llana y enmoldada como lo usavan todos ellos.--LANDA, op. cit.,
p. 180.
[10] Sus vestiduras, de que vsavan, eran vnos Ayates, ó
Gabachas, sin Mangas, y sus Mantas, todo de Algodón texido de varios
colores: Y ellos y las Mugeres, vnas como Faxas, de lo mismo, de cosa de
quatro varas de largo, y vna tercia de ancho, con que se çeñian, y
cubrian las partes; y algunas al canto, ú orilla, mucha Plumeria de
colores, que era su mayor gala.--VILLAGUTIERRE, op. cit., p. 498.
[11] Tenian algunos señores y capitanes como moriones de palo y
estos eran pocos, y con estas armas ivan a la guerra, y con plumajes y
pellejos do tigres, y leones, puestos los que los tenían.--LANDA, op.
cit., p. 172.
[12] Y en las orillas de la Playa, solo se veían amontonadas la
multitud de Flechas, que la resaca de las olas avia llevado á Tierra. De
adonde se puede inferir, quan inmenso seria el numero de ellas, que los
Infieles arrojaron á los Pobres Christianos.--VILLAGUTIERRE, op. cit.,
p. 483.
[13] Estava en vn gran Salón, cuyos Techos eran de Paja, y las
Paredes de Cal, y Canto, de vna vara de alto, bruñidas, como el suelo, y
en ellas estrivava el Maderage de lo levantado en la
Casa.--VILLAGUTIERRE, op. cit., p. 392.
Estava poblada toda ella de Casas, alennas con Paredes de Piedra, de
cosa de mas de vara de alto, y de allí arriba Maderas, y los Techos de
Paja, y otras de solo Madera, Y Paja.--Ibid., 494.
[14] Enterravanlos dentro en sus casas o a las espaldas dellas,...
Comunmente desamparavan la casa y la dexavan yerma despues de
enterrados.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 196.
[15] Tienen atables pequeños que tañen con la mano, y otro
atabal de palo huero de sonido pesado y triste: tañenlo con un palo
larguillo puesto al cabo cierta leche de un arbol.--LANDA, op. cit., p.
124.
[16] The drum is composed of a clay jar about twenty inches
high. Over the top of the jar is stretched a piece of the hide of the
_tepeizquinte_ for a head. The whole drum is painted white. On one side
near the top there is a head similar in all respects to that found in
all the sacred ollas. This head, as it has been explained, represents
one of the lesser gods called Qaiyum.--TOZZER, A Comparative Study of
the Mayas and the Lacandones, p. 111.
[17] Crian aves para vender de Castilla, y de las suyas y para
comer. Crian paxaros para su recreacion y para las plumas para hazer sus
ropas galanas.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 190.
[18] Por lo qual se usava tener en cada pueblo una casa grande
y encalada, abierta por todas partes, en la qual se juntavan los mogos
para sus passatiempos. Jugavan a la pelota y a un juego con unas habas
como a los dados, y a otros muchos.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 178.
Two curious stones, which may have been used in some game, were
discovered in a small burial mound in the Orange Walk district of
British Honduras some years ago. They were made of nicely polished
crystalline limestone, about one foot in diameter, and shaped very much
like curling stones without handles. The upper part of each was
traversed by two round holes, about one inch in diameter, which passed
completely through the stone, near its summit, and crossed each other at
right angles.
[19] See Nineteenth Rep. Bur. Amer. Ethn., pl. XXX, fig. 8.
[20] Ibid., pl. XXIX, no. 3.
[21] A la primera vista encontraron con la Messa de los
Sacrificios, que era vna Piedra muy grande, de mas de dos varas y media
de largo, y vara y media de ancho, con doze assientos, que la rodeavan,
para los doze Sacerdotes, que executavan el Sacrificio.--VILLAGUTIERRE,
op. cit., p. 392; ibid., p. 457; ibid., 482.
[22] Que sin las fiestas en las quales, para la solemnidad de
ellas, se sacrificavan animales, también por alguna tribulacion o
necessidad, les mandava el sacredote o chilanes sacrificar personas, y
para esto contribuian todos, para que se comprasse esclavos, o algunos
de devocion davan sus hijitos los quales eran muy regalados hasta et dia
y fiesta de sus personas, y muy guardados que no se huyessen o
ensuziassen de algun carnal peccado, y mientras a ellos llevavan de
pueblo en pueblo con vailes, ayunavan los sacerdotes y chilanes y otros
officiates--LANDA, op. cit., p. 164.
[23] Mas de todas las cosas que aver podian que son aves del
cielo, animales de la tierra, o pescados de la agua, siempre les
embadurnavan los rostros al demonio con la sangre dellos. Y otras cosas
que tenían ofrocian; a algunos animales les sacavan el corazon y lo
ofrecían, a otros enteros, unos vivos, otros muertos, unos crudos, otros
guisados, y hazian también grandes ofrendas de pan y vino, y de todas
las maneras de comidas, y bevidas que usavan.--LANDA, op. cit., pp.
162-164.
[24] Recent examination of the Tuluum Stela has brought to
light upon it, in two places, the glyph representing the lahuntum, and
the date 7 Ahau; now 7 Ahau occurs as a lahuntun ending in 10.6.10.0.0
(approximately 695 A. D. of our era) which is almost certainly the
contemporaneous date of the Stela.
[25] Tenian lanquelas cortas de un estado con los hierros de
fuerte pedernal.... Tenian para su defensa rodelas que hazian de cañas
hendidas, y muy texidas redondas y guarnecidas de cueros de
venados.--LANDA, op. cit., pp. 170-172.
[26] Figured in Nineteenth Rep. Bur. Amer. Ethn., pl. XXXIV,
No. 5.
[27] Otras, se harpavan lo superfluo del miembro vergonçoso,
dexandolo como las orejas, de lo qual se engaño el historiador general
de las Indias, diziendo que se circumcídian. Otras vezes hazian un suzio
y penoso sacrificio añudandose los que lo hazian en el templo, donde
puestos en rengla, se hazian sendos agujeros en los miembros viriles al
soslayo por el lado, y hechos passavan toda la mas cantidad de hilo que
podian quedando assi todos asídos, y ensartados; también untavan con la
sangre de todas estas partes al demonio y el que mas hazia, por mas
valiente era tenido.--LANDA, op. cit., p. 162.
[28] Gann, Mounds in Northern Honduras.
[29] These large round ear plugs seem to have been universally
worn; they are found in the paintings, on figurines, and on the
incensarios. The plug may be funnel shaped or flat, plain, or decorated
with a stud, rosette, or tassel. Describing the ear ornaments worn by
the Itzas, Villagutierre says: "Si bien muchos de ollos rayadas las
caras, y abujereadas las orejas.... Y que algunos Indios traían puestas,
en las orejas que traíā, ynas Rosas de Plata, y otros las traían de Oro;
y otros de Oro, y Plata."--VILLAGUTIERRE, op. cit., pp. 402-403.
Landa, speaking of the Maya women, says: "Horadavanse las orejas, para
ponerse zarzilloa al modo de sus maridos."--LANDA, op. cit., p. 182.
[30] Figurines of animals with human heads projecting from
their widely opened jaws are common in this area. The turtle, alligator,
tiger, shark, and snake are usually the animals selected. Thomas says of
this figure: "If we may judge from its use there is no doubt that the
Mexican _cipactli_ figure is a symbol of the earth or underworld. The
usual form of the day symbol in the Mexican codices is shown in plate
LXIV, 16, and more elaborately in plate LXIV, 17." [These correspond
almost exactly with some of the figurines found.] "As proof that it
indicates the earth, or underworld, there is shown on plate 73 of the
Borglan Codex an individual, whose heart has been torn from his breast,
plunging downward through the open jaws of the monster into the shade of
the earth below.... It is therefore more than likely that the animal
indicated by the Mexican name of the day is mythical, represented
according to locality by some known animal which seems to indicate best
the mythical conception. Some figures evidently refer to the alligator,
and others apparently to the iguana; that on plates 4 and 5 of the
Dresden Codex is purely mythical."--THOMAS, Day Symbols of the Maya
Year, p. 212.
Spinden explains these part human, part animal, monsters differently. He
regards the human face as symbolical of the human mind contained within
the animal body of the god.--A Study of Maya Art, pp. 35 and 62.
[31] Figured in pl. XXXVIII of the Nineteenth Rep. Bur. Amer.
Ethn., as the Great Central Lookout Mound.
[32] Landa, in mentioning the beardlessness of the Yucatecans
at the time of the conquest, says it was reported as being brought about
by applying hot cloths to the chins of the children. This seems
improbable. "No criavan barbas, y dezian que les quemavan los rostros
sus madres con paños calientes, siendo niños, por que no les naciessen,
y que agora crian barbas aunque muy asperas como cerdas de
tocines."--LANDA, op. cit., p. 114.
The pure-blood Indians of the present day have but a very scanty growth
of hair on the face and pubes, and in some cases even the few straggling
hairs which they possess are pulled out.
[33] "Tenian por costumbre averrarse los dientes dexandolos
como diente de sierra y esto tenían por galanteria, y hazian este
officio viejas, limandolos con ciertas piedras y agua."--LANDA, op.
cit., p. 182. Similarly filed teeth have been discovered at Copan and in
caves at Loltun. See Joyce, Mexican Archæology, p. 294.
[34] Tozzer, in commenting on these chultuns at Nakum, says:
"There is evidently no close connection, as in Yucatan, between the
water supply and these underground rooms. In fact they are frequently
found near sites where there is an abundant supply of water throughout
the year. In almost no case do we find any drainage into them. They are
usually found on ground slightly higher than that of the surrounding
country. In this respect they differ from those in Yucatan. Another
point against their use as storage for water is shown in the fact that
in several the rock from which they are excavated is porous, and the
walls do not seem in all cases to have been covered with an impervious
layer of plaster. That they were used in some cases for the storage of
maize and other foods is possible, as they are generally dry and would
be suitable for such a purpose. That some were used for burial places is
very probable."--TOZZER, A Preliminary Study of the Prehistoric Ruins of
Nakum, Guatemala, p. 191.
[35] Gann: On Exploration of Two Mounds in British Honduras,
pp. 430-434; On the Contents of Some Ancient Mounds in Central America,
pp. 308-317.
[36] Gann, Mounds in Northern Honduras, pp. 666-680.
[37] The interments which are found, superficially placed in
mounds which cover buildings, were probably of later date, as Landa
distinctly states that the owner was buried within his house.
"Enterravanlos dentro en sus casas o a las espaldas dellas" (Landa, op
cit., p. 196). Moreover, more than one of these superficial interments
are found in mounds covering buildings, and, lastly, human remains have
been found beneath the floors of ruined houses, where one would
naturally expect to find them.
[38] From Wilson, Daniel, Prehistoric Man, vol. I, pp. 214-15,
Cambridge and London, 1862; quoted by Stevens, Edward T., in Flint
Chips.
[39] This shell has already been reproduced in the Sixteenth
Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, pl. LXIX.
[40] Similar grafiti were discovered on the wall of a temple at
Nakum, in Guatemala. See Tozzer, Preliminary Study of the Prehistoric
Ruins of Nakum, Guatemala, p. 160, fig. 48a.
[41] Maler, Explorations in the Department of Peten, Guatemala,
pp. 100-101.
[42] See Spinden, Maya Art, p. 64.
[43] See _Memoirs of the Peabody Museum_, vol. II, No. 1,
Researches in the Valley of the Usumatsintla, where on several
illustrations rows of similar shells are seen decorating the edges of
the garments of the persons represented.
[44] It is curious that neither Landa nor Villagutierre
mentions this ornamental plugging of the front teeth, as, judging by the
number of teeth found, it can not have been of exceptionally rare
occurrence. Landa, who describes their ornaments very closely, mentions
the filling of the teeth, but not the plugging, which, had it been in
vogue at the time of the conquest in Yucatan, he must have heard about
or observed. It seems probable that the custom had already become
obsolete before the first appearance of the Spaniards in Yucatan.
[45] See Spinden, Maya Art, fig. 79.
[46] The photographs of the torso and headdress were taken in
England and those of the head in British Honduras. Consequently they do
not fit together as well as do the originals.
[47] It would appear that these thick woven or plaited cotton
breastplates were fortified with salt.
Landa, op. cit., p. 48: "Y sus rodelas y iacos fuertes de sal y
algodon."
Ibid. p. 172: "Hazian xacos de algodon colchados y de sal por moler
colchada de dos tandas o colchaduras, y estos eran fortissimos."
[48] MORLEY, An Introduction to the Study of the Maya
Hieroglyphs, p. 15.
[49] Accounts of the finding of these incense burners and of
copal are common in both ancient and modern times. "Hallé en una de las
dos Capillas cacao ofrecido, y señal de copal (que es su incienso) de
poco tiempo allí quemado, y que lo era de alguna supersticion, ó
idolatria recién cometida."--COGOLLUDO, Historia de Yucathan, Bk. IV,
Cap. VII, p. 193.
"Y los que ivan tenían de costumbre de entrar también en templos
derelictos, quando passavan por ellos a orar y quemar copal."--LANDA,
op. cit., p. 158.
"While searching the upper steps of the pyramid my men found two
interesting incense vessels with a head on the rim."--MALER, Researches
in the Central Portion of the Usumatsintla Valley, Part 2, p. 136.
"In nearly all the houses (speaking of Yaxchilan) I found earthen pots,
partly filled with some half-burned resinous substance.... They were in
great numbers round the idol in the house I lived in. Some looked much
newer than others, and many are in such positions that it was clear that
they had been placed there since the partial destruction of the
houses."--MAUDSLAY, Explorations in Guatemala, pp. 185-204.
CHARNAY, Voyage au Yucatan et au pays des Lacandons, pp. 33-48.
"Se trouvent une multitude de vases d'une terre grossière, et d'une
forme nouvelle; ce sont des bols de dix à quinze centimètres de diamètre
sur cinq à six de hauteur, dont les bords sont ornés de masques humains
représentant des figures camardes et d'autres à grands nez busqués,
véritables caricatures où l'art fait complètement défaut.... Ces vases
servaient de brûle-parfums, et la plupart sont encore à moitié pleins de
copal."--CHARNAY, Ibid., p. 88.
[50] "These incense-burners are used by the Lacandones in their
religious ceremonies. Each family or group of connected families living
together possesses several of the incense-burners or
_braseros_."--TOZZER, Comparative Study of the Mayas and Lacandones, p.
84.
[51] "Y las dos mas grandes, de Comunidad, y la otra, aùn mas
grande, que todas las otras, era el Adoratorio de los perversos Idolos
de aquellos Lacandones, donde se hallaron muchos de ellos, de formas
raras, como assimismo cantidad de Gallinas muertas, Brasseros, con
señales de aver quemado Copal; y aùn se hallaron las cenizas calientes,
y otras diversas, ridiculas, y abominables cosas, pertenecientes à la
execuccion de sus perversos Ritos, y Sacrificios."--VILLAGUTIERRE, op.
cit., p. 264.
[52] See TOZZER, op. cit., p. 87: "If we consider the type of
bowl with the knob-like projection as a transition form, we are led to
the conclusion that the most primitive form of incense burner was the
bowl on which was represented the whole body at first, and then the head
of a person or animal."
Ibid., p. 91: "The Lacandones assert that in former times the incense
burners were made in other forms, some possessing arms and legs. These
are seldom made or used now."
[53] These face-decorated bowls were in use as incense burners
among the Mayas of Valladolid, very shortly after the conquest. See
Relación de la villa de Valladolid, p. 185: "Adoraban unos ídolos hechos
de barro á manera do jarillos y de macetas de albahaca, hechos en ellos
de la parte de afuera rostros desemejados, quemaban dentro de estos una
resina llamada _copal_, de gran olor. Esto les ofrecían á estos ídolos,
y ellos cortaban en muchas partes de sus miembros y ofrecían aquella
sangre."
See also Relación de los pueblos de Popola, y Sínsimato y Samíol, pp.
44-45: "Usaban de adorar unos jarrillos hechos en ellos rostros
desemejados, teniandolos por sus ydolos quemavan dentro y ofresian una
resina llamada copal ques como trementina elada, de gran olor, y se
cortavan en muchas partes para ofrecer la sangre a aquél ydolo."
[54] "Que en muriendo la persona, para sepultar el cuerpo le
doblan las piernas y ponen la cara sobre las rodillas ... abren en
tierra un hoyo redondo."--COGOLLUDO, op. cit., Bk. XII, Chap. VII, p.
699.
[55] Among the modern Maya Indians of this area food is no
longer placed with the dead, but every _Hanal pishan_, or All Souls'
Day, tortillas, posol, meat, and other foods are placed upon the graves,
on the odor of which the soul of the departed is supposed to regale
itself. Tozzer mentions the custom of burying food with the dead as
still practiced by the modern Lacandones. (See TOZZER, A comparative
Study of the Mayas and the Lacandones, pp. 47-48.)
See also COGOLLUDO, op. cit., Bk. XII, Chap. VII, p. 699: "Al rededor le
ponen mucha vianda, una xicara, un calabaço con atole, salvados de maiz,
y unas tortillas grandes de lo mismo, que han llevado juntamente con el
cuerpo, y assi lo cubren despues con tierra."
[56] This practice of burying with the dead some of their
belongings is mentioned both by Landa and Villagutierre.
"Enterravanlos dentro en sus casas o a las espaldas dellas, echandoles
en la sepultura algunos de sus ídolos, y si era sacerdote algunos de sus
libros, y si hechizero de sus piedras de hechizos y peltrechos."--LANDA,
op. cit., p. 196.
"Tenian por costumbre estos Indios, de sepultar los Difuntos en los
Campos, à corta distancia del Pueblo, y poner sobre las Sepulturas de
los Varones Banquitos, Puquietes, y otras cosas del uso varonil; y sobre
las de las Mugeres, Piedras de moler, Ollas, Xicaras, y otros trastos à
esto modo."--VILLAGUTIERRE, op. cit., p. 313.
[57] This white lime wash, applied evenly to the entire
surface, over which other colors were afterward painted, seems to have
been used on all the more elaborate incensarios and on nearly all the
clay figurines. It is still employed by the modern Lacandones in the
manufacture of their _braseros_. (See TOZZER, A comparative Study of the
Mayas and the Lacandones, p. 109.)
[58] Speaking of the boundaries of the territory of the Itzaex,
Villagutierre (op. cit., p. 489), gives the sea as its eastern limit.
All the tribes between the lagoon of Itza and the sea were evidently not
subject to the Itzaex, however, as he mentions (Lib. IX, cap. III, p.
554) a number of tribes inhabiting this area with whom they were at war,
and states (Lib. VI, Cap. IV, p. 352) that the Mopanes and Tipu Indians
were not subject to the Canek of Itza.
[59] Brinton, The Maya Chronicles, p. 87.
[60] Relación Breve, quoted by Spinden, A Study of Maya Art,
pp. 7-8.
[61] Stephens, Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, vol. I, p. 323.
[62] Morley, An Introduction to the Study of the Maya
Hieroglyphs, p. 15.
Transcriber's notes:
Different spelling of (e.g.) Yucatan and Yucatán result from usage of
different languages (English, Spanish).