The lower divisions of XIX* and XX* are occupied with figures of women bearing burdens. The substance borne by three out of the eight is denoted by Kan figures, which, as I have heretofore intimated, represent maize. The two burdens indicated by death symbols possibly denote the bones or ashes of their dead; I think it likely some of them denotes calabashes, gourds, or some vegetable of this kind.
This "death symbol," as I have called it, may also be used as the symbol of some such vegetable product, especially as there are one or two Maya words of similar sound-that signify calabash, gourd, &c. The right-hand figure of XX* is carrying something which probably denotes squashes, and the two at the right of XIX* their lares and penates.
The figures in the third division of Plate XX* (see Fig. 86) form the sequel to the first and second of XIX*, but we are not to understand this as representing baptism,[1] as the sprinkling is not performed by a priest, nor is there a priest present; but rather as ordinary ablutions
The two figures in the left compartment, upper division of XXI*, are undoubtedly time symbols. The triangular Ezanab character in front of the Chac probably denotes the close of a luster or Cycle, as this is the last of the intercalated days of the Ix years. The circles on the curved figure may signify years or Ahaues.
The females in the lower divisions of XXI* and XXII* appear from their hair to be young unmarried persons, who are probably praying unto the gods, represented by the idols before them, to give them husbands, or to grant some special favor.
The upper division of Plates XXIII*-XXVIII* appear to relate to warfare. On Plate XXVII* we see the victors returning, leading their prisoners and captured animals, singing and dancing as they move along. By the wayside is one of the slain enemies being devoured by a vulture. Here the priest is seen also with his captive, but, as might be expected, it is a woman.
On XXVI* and XXV* we see the prisoners delivered into the hands of the priests to be sacrificed. Holding by the hair, as here shown, appears
- ↑ As to the Maya baptism, see the quotation from Landa's Relacion and Translation, Appendix No. 5.
