# A Study of the Manuscript Troano/Chapter 9

Table of Contents
CHAPTER IX.
INSCRIPTIONS ON THE PALENQUE TABLET.
In referring to the Tablet I will make use of Dr. Rau's scheme of numbering and lettering the characters which is given below. In order to avoid introducing small cuts of separate characters, I have requested that a copy of his plate of the entire Tablet be inserted (Plate IX).
A slight examination of this tablet is sufficient to convince any one familiar with the characters of the Manuscript Troano that there are here symbols of days and months corresponding almost exactly with those of that work. Whether the Maya calendar was the one used cannot be determined with certainty, but that it was very similar cannot be doubted. I shall assume for the present that it was, but in order that the reader may have before him the data necessary for comparison will introduce here the names of the days of the Chiapan (or Tzendal) and Soconuscan calendar in the order given by Veytia, and also of the Quiche and Cakchiquel calendars as given by Bancroft.
| Chiapan (Tzendal?) and Sooonusoan. | Quiche and Cakchiquel. |
| Votan. | Imox. |
| Chanan or Ghanan. | Ig. |
| Abah or Abagh. | Akbal. |
| Tox. | Qat. |
| Moxic. | Can. |
| Lambat. | Camey. |
| Molo or Mulu. | Qaieh. |
| Ellab or Elah. | Ganel. |
| Batz. | Toh. |
| Evob or Enob. | Tzy. |
| Been. | Batz. |
| Hix. | Ci. |
| Tziquin. | Ah. ​ |
| Chabin or Chahin. | Yiz or Itz. |
| Chic or Chine. | Tziquin. |
| Chinax. | Ahmak. |
| Cahogh or Cabogh. | Noh. |
| Aghual. | Tihaz. |
| Imox or Mox. | Caok. |
| Igh or Tgh., | Hunahpu. |
I shall take for granted that the inscription commences with the large character in the upper left-hand corner, but whether it is to be read in columns from top to bottom, or in lines from left to right, remains to be discussed; the tendency of belief at present appears to be that it is to be read in lines from left to right.
As I have demonstrated, satisfactorily to myself at least, that in the Manuscript Troano the characters are, as a general rule, placed in columns to be read from the top downwards, but that, where circumstances require it, they are placed in lines to be read from left to right, we will be justified
in assuming the same rule applies to this tablet, especially as we here see single columns and single lines. But let us examine the inscription carefully and see if we can find anything in it that will aid us in deciding this ​point. In doing so we may profit by the facts learned in reference to the Manuscript Troano on this subject, and the method of comparing characters used by Professor Holden in his "Studies in Central American Picture Writing."
Referring to the Palenquean group as shown in Plate IX, we observe that the first seven characters of the two columns immediately below the large initial are united so that each forms one compound character. If read in columns the natural inference from this would be that the remaining characters of these two columns are to be read by twos, thus: A 10 and B 10 (Dr. Rau's scheme), then A 11 and B 11, next A 12 and B 12, and so on to the bottom. If this supposition be correct, then it is more than likely that the remaining columns on the side tablets are to be read in the same way, a view favored by the fact that each one of these tablets contains six columns.
I call attention now to characters D 13, C 14, and D 14, which are often repeated in the inscription, varying only in the numerals—dots, or balls, and fines placed at the top and left side. If we represent these characters by letters thus: D 13 by a, C 14 by b, and D 14 by c, we have here this order
Referring now to E 5, F 5, and E 6, we find the same three characters following each other in the same order, but placed thus: and, what is significant, if we include the next, F 6, we have the right portion of the first four (of the seven) double characters, but the order is reversed. At F 15, E 16, and F 16 we again have our three characters a, b, c. In the single column R we see a and b. At S 6 and T 6 we have the three, but here b and c are united in one compound character. At S 12 and T 12 we see a and b; at U 3, V 3, and U 4; also at U 8, V 8, and U 9; also V 13, U 14, and V 14; at W 1, X 1, and W 2, and at X 11, W 12, and X 12, we find the same three characters following each other in the same order. We shall hunt in vain for any such combination of these characters between the second and third or fourth and fifth columns of either slab, nor can we find the three following each other in any column or line except in the four double characters. ​
Commencing with V 13 we find the same combination, except that one additional character is introduced thus: V 13 a, U 14 b, V 14 c, U 15 d, V 15 x, (the introduced character is x,) U 16 m, V 16 n, U 17 Kan, as shown in diagram 2. 2 Referring now to the figure of the Tablet on the back wall of Altar Casa No 3, forming the frontispiece of Stephen's "Central America," Vol. II, we see that there are four columns of characters on each side. At the bottom of the second column of the right side we find our character a, and at the top of columns three and four our characters b and c precisely as they should follow according to our theory.
Turning again to our Plate IX and going over the entire inscription in this way, taking two columns together, thus, AB, CD, EF, ST, UV, and WX, we shall find frequent repetitions of such combinations, not to be found in any other way. The full force of this statement cannot be understood except by a thorough and careful study of the plate. If I am ​correct in this opinion we will thereby be enabled to determine some doubtful characters, as, for example, that F 7, E 8 are the same as S 1, T 1, &c.
According to this theory, the lines and columns in the middle portion of the Tablet should be read from the left to the right along the lines until a column is reached, and then down the column thus: G, H, I, K, to L, and then down the L column; down the O column then P and Q. Now, let us test this: In O 3 we see the hand of our character m, although the loop is to the right. If it is the same as m, then P 1 should be our n; but the character as given by Catherwood is too imperfect to see any resemblance. But if we turn to Waldeck's plate or Dr. Rau's copy (Palenque Tablet, p. 33, Fig. 7), we see the head and protruding tongue characteristic of character n.
These facts, I think, are sufficient to establish the correctness of my theory.
The lines and dots at the left and on the top of the characters I am satisfied are numerals having the same signification as those in the Manuscript—that is, a single dot 1; two dots, 2, and so on; a single line, 5; two lines, 10, and so on. Those on the top of the characters I think correspond with the red numerals in the Manuscript, for if we examine them we find none of them exceed thirteen. Those on the side I think refer in some cases to the number of the month, in others to the day of the month or the number of the day. Where the character is the symbol of a day, and has numerals also on top, those on the side I think refer to the number of the month, as they never exceed 18. When the character is the symbol of a month, then, they denote the day of the month, as we see that in some cases they exceed 18, but never exceed 20. Where the character is the symbol of a day and has numerals at the side only, these I think denote the number of the day, as they never exceed 13. The little balls and loops at the bottom, and also the loops so frequent at the left side, and occasionally found on the top of the characters, have been, and to a certain extent are yet, a profound mystery; but a careful study of the little loops at the left side, and also of part of those at the top, will show that they have no signification whatever, but are left to fill out the squares and to form supports or guards to the little ball (or balls)—or numeral character for 1 (or 2)—in connection with which they are chiefly used. If we examine the ​inscription carefully, we shall find that they are never placed at the left where the outer or left line of the numeral character is 3, 4, or 5. On the contrary, they are always (with two exceptions) present where the left numeral line is one—that is, a single dot—and occasionally where there are two.
The exceptions are R 2 and T 2; but an examination of the tablet in the National Museum shows very clearly that they have been broken off the latter and that they were probably originally on the former. Why do they accompany only those numerals with one or two dots at the left and no others? My answer is, simply to complete the square. This will probably explain the presence of small characters or irregular balls on the foreheads of some of the heads. The loops and balls at the bottom of the characters probably have some particular signification, as something similar is observed in the Manuscripts, as, for example, under the symbol for the month Pax.
I will now ask the reader to refer to Plate IX, representing the tablet. He will observe on each side and near to the upright of the cross two characters—four in all, two in the column marked M and two in that marked N. He is aware, from what has been shown in the previous part of this paper, that in the Tro. Manuscript each division of the plates, or each compartment, has at the left a column of days, usually five in number, though in a few instances there are but four. The four symbols by the cross I think are for precisely the same purpose as these day columns, and that the numeral five, at the side of each, probably corresponds with that placed over the colunms. As the upper left-hand character (M 1) is Ezanab, the equivalent of Chinax in the Chiapan calendar, which, according to Veytia's list, is one of the year-bearers, we might presume the four represent the four year-bearers, Votan, Lambat, Been, and Chinax, or their Maya equivalents Akbal, Lamat, Been, and Ezanab. But one objection to this supposition is that the lower character at the right (N 2) does not correspond with the symbol of either of these days, but appears to be the same as (B 10) on the left slab, which is probably Cimi of the Maya or Tox of the Chiapan list of days. But in these four characters Catherwood, usually so accurate, appears to be at fault, and Waldeck correct.
Turning now to the general inscription on the left and right, I will endeavor to pick out and name the day characters, first notifying the reader ​that there are two classes of these, one with numerals at the left side only, the other with numerals both above and at the side.
The little loops are not counted as units except when I am satisfied from an examination of the right slab in the museum that they denote spaces from which the balls have fallen. Where I am satisfied the character represents a day, but cannot determine what day, this fact will be indicated by an interrogation-point; the names in reference to which I am in considerable doubt will also be followed by an interrogation-point. The capital letters with numbers attached are given to locate the characters by Dr. Rau's scheme.
Days indicated on the Tablet, with their accompanying numerals.
Of this list, T 10, T 14, and V 7 may represent the month Xul instead of a day. It is possible that C 5 (8 Cauac?), F 6 (2 Cauac), and U 2 (9 Cauac) should be added to the list as representing the days noted in parenthesis. The day Chuen appears to be much oftener indicated than any ​other. We shall also find that the same thing is true in reference to one of the months. I am in great doubt as to the character rendered Manik, which here resembles the Greek tau. S 14 is probably the symbol of Lamat.
One singular fact to be noticed is that the form of the Kan symbol—for example, U 1.7, as given in Dr. Rau's photograph—is more like Landa's figure than the Kan symbol in the Tro Manuscript.
As I find no month characters in the Manuscript to assist me in judging of the variations in form, and as I have not thoroughly studied those in the Codex, I feel greater uncertainty as to those found on the Tablet than I do in regard to the day characters. Pax seems to be the month oftenest represented; in fact, but few others appear to be indicated. The following characters I think represent this month:
C 14, F 5, R 3, T 12, U 14, V 3, V 8, W 7, X 1, and X 15.
The following are also probably month symbols:
F 1, L 9, T 4, U 1, V 17, W 11.
I am satisfied from the presence of numerals that there are other day and month symbols than those mentioned, but on account of my doubt as to which class they belong will not attempt now to decide.
If the reader will examine carefully the character V 14, especially on Dr. Rau's photograph, he will see that it is almost identical with that in the Manuscript I have rendered pecuah "tortilla of maize" (see Fig. 64),
Comparing this with the large initial, we find but a slight difference between the two; in the latter the comb-like figures are drawn down to the sides and the loops are placed above. In this the form of the central oval is not to be relied upon as strictly correct, as the lines are too freely rounded; still we presume it is slightly different from the little upper circle in V 14. Supposing the Maya language to have been used, and the characters on the Tablet to have the same signification as similar characters in the Manuscript, we should find in this initial sounds closely resembling those in pecuah ; as the bars are interlaced, I presume the first syllable should be pech or pach. Turning to Landa's Relacion (264), we find that "In the month Pax they [the Mayas] celebrated a festival named Pacumchac, on which occasion the chiefs and priests of the inferior villages assembling with those of ​the more important towns, having joined together, they passed into the temple of Citchaccoh," &c. If we interpret this character Pacumchac, we at once find a satisfactory explanation of the repeated occurrence of the symbol for Pax in the inscription. From Landa's description, which is somewhat confused, I judge this was one of their chief festivals, but nothing appears in his statement that accords with the scene on the middle slab. This, however, cannot be properly urged as an objection to my rendering; first, because there were doubtless many formalities which he does not mention; second, because the ceremonies of this festival as practiced at Palenque may have been quite different from those observed by Landa; third, there are some reasons for believing, even from Landa's words, that during this festival petitions for rain and abundant crops were offered. I presume also that during this festival took place the rejoicing over the first fruits of the maize harvest. I may as well state here as elsewhere that I do not think the offering made by the priest on the right is an infant; the probability is that it is a dough image. Although we see what appear to be the body and limbs, we have to assume that the head wears a mask to believe it to be the body of a child. If it is the figure of a child, then the scene represents a special occasion when the sacrifice was made to avert some impending danger. The difference in the height of the two priests favor the idea that the artist referred by his figures to particular persons, if not to a special occasion. Finally, it is possible that although the inscription relates chiefly to this festival others are also alluded to. But be this as it may, I have reached my conclusion as to the rendering by legitimate steps.
The second compound character in the column is composed of three parts, the two to the right, which are alike, resembling, in some respects, the symbol of Imix, and in others, if the marks can be trusted, the hieroglyph of Cauac and cu. We find almost precisely the same combination in the right-hand (second) column, Plate XX of the Manuscript, except that the two similar parts are above the face. The face in this case is almost exactly like that I have interpreted Xamin, "north." What is also a little significant, we find immediately below it the Pax or stone symbol just as we do here. ​Another fact which should be taken into consideration is that U 2 appears to be identical with the two similar parts of this character. It undoubtedly denotes a month or day. If a month, it is impossible for me to determine which; if a day, it is undoubtedly Cauac, or the Chiapan equivalent, Cahogh.
Turning to the middle plate between pages 158 and 159, Stephens's Central America, Vol. I, we observe that the third group from the bottom of the right column appears to be substantially the same as this (A B 3). Here the two characters at the right are placed one above the other and appear to be Imix symbols, and the head that of a monkey. There are also some small additions not found in the other, but allowance must be made for the fact that the characters on this statue are not so carefully drawn as those on the Tablet.
The next character below (A B 4), if we follow the rendering of the first, will contain the sound p' ch-c, and A B 5 that of p' x. The next (A B 6) I think is the symbol for Chuen or contains the sound chu A B 7, I am inclined to believe, is the symbol for likin or lakin, "east" or "rising sun."
A 10 refers to a vessel of some kind, as I infer from the vase symbol at the bottom. C 13 probably represents a word or words with the sounds ca-z' or s'-ca. Although F 2 has a central mark somewhat resembling that in Ik, I strongly suspect it to be the symbol for the month Muan.
In R 1 we see the bread symbol precisely as on the back of the dog, Plate XXI, and in the middle division, Plate III*, of the Tro. Manuscript.
E 6, U 4, V 14, and X 12 probably denote tortillas of maize (pppecuah).
I shall not attempt an explanation of the central scene, but will call attention to a few points in reference to it.
Crosses of some form with birds on them are found in three or four of the aboriginal manuscripts, as Plate III* of the Manuscript Troano, Plate 30 of the Dresden Codex, and in one or two of the Mexican Codices. It is true none of them are so regular or so true as this, but they are evidently intended as representations of the cross and to symbolize the same general idea. Certain characteristics belong to all of them, as follows: First, they arise out of something that has life, as an animal or person; second, a vegetable growth therefrom, as a tree; third, the knobs at the ends of the arms, ​possibly indicating stars as emblematic of the heavens; and, fourth, the bird at the top. In this (the Palanque Tablet) we see at the base the head of some fabulous reptile, notwithstanding the opinion quoted in Dr. Rau's paper to the contrary. The appendages at the right and left just above the head are probably intended for fore limbs. By looking carefully at the upright we observe little knots on the sides opposite each other, indicating the nodes as marked on the figures of trees in the Manuscript.
Referring to the middle plate between pages 156 and 157, Stephens's Central America, Vol. I, we observe on the back of the statue an abridged type of the Palenque cross. Here we see the same broad nose, the rows of teeth, and the spiral lines representing eyes, but we would never imagine it represented a head but for what we see on the Palanque Tablet.
The arms issue from the upper portion of the head; the knobs are represented by balls along the arms without stems; and the bird is changed into a human figure with wings and a little bird head.
* ↑ First Ann. Rep. Bureau of Ethnology.
* ↑ Appendix. No. 3, O.