of another.[1] Another title, mentioned by Xahila, is ahpopachi; the last word means man, vir.
A third article, which distinguished the higher classes, was the seat or stool on which they sat during solemn ceremonies. This was called ꜫaalibal, an instrumental noun from the verb ꜫal, to be visible or prominent; persons so seated being elevated above, and thus distinguished from others; from this the verbal form, ꜫalel, was derived, meaning "he who is prominent," etc., or, more freely, "illustrious," "distinguished."[2] The title ahpop-ꜫalel meant, therefore, originally "he who is entitled to a mat and a stool," that is, in the council chamber of his town.
Another official connected with the council was the orator appointed to bring before it the business of the day. His title was ah uchan, from ucheex, to speak; and it is translated by Spanish writers, the "rhetorician, orator."[3] A similar personage, the ah tzih vinak, "the man of words,"[4] was in
- ↑ Father Coto, in his MS., Vocabulario Cakchiquel, gives the rendering "mandadero," and states that one was elected each year by the principals of each chinatmitl, to convey messages. He adds: "Usan mucho de este nombre en el Pueblo Atitlan."
- ↑ Compare my edition of the Cakchiquel Grammar, p. 58. Brasseur translates this title erroneously, "decorated with a bracelet." — Hist. des Nations Civilisées, etc.. Tome. II, p. 515.
- ↑ "El retorico, platico." Pantaleon de Guzman gives the fuller form, naol ah uchan, which means "he who knows, the master of speech."—Compendio de Nombres en Lengua Cakchiquel, MS.
- ↑ Usually written by ellipsis, atzih vinak. Brasseur translates it "distributor of presents," but it appears to be from tzih, word, speech. The vocabularies are, as usual, very unsatisfactory. "Atzijh vinak, Principal deste nombre."—Dicc. Cakchiquel Anon.
