MAN FROM THE FARTHEST PAST 
which definite meanings came to be attached, and had 
apparently even reached the point where sounds as well 
as ideas had begun to be represented. So thoroughly, 
however, did the early Spanish conquerors do their work 
of destruction that the key to this writing has been lost. 
Many efforts have been made to regain it, but so far we 
can do little more than read the dates which the inscrip- 
tions often give. 
Among their other inventions, the Mayas included that 
of a calendar based in part on the changes of the moon. 
Although complicated and showing signs of gradual de- 
velopment, this was accurate and serviceable to an ex- 
ceptional degree. It says much for the astronomical and 
mathematical knowledge of its inventors. 
Of their social, political, and religious systems we know 
far less than we could wish. It is evident, however, that, 
as with all early cultures, no clear distinction was drawn 
between things sacred and things secular. Their whole 
civilization was closely interwoven with the religion which 
had inspired and shaped it. There were helpful gods and 
hurtful ones, and the essence of worship was to gain the 
good will of the former and keep in check the latter. To 
help achieve these ends, they threw into the cenofes, or 
huge sink-holes in the limestone, which often held a pool 
of water at the bottom, precious offerings of gold and 
carved jade and living men and women. 
The Mayas were beginning to acquire some knowledge 
of metals, including both gold and copper, which were, 
however, rather rare and served almost or quite exclusive- 
ly for the manufacture of ornaments, probably all in- 
vested with a religious symbolism. Apparently they had 
begun to make no really useful tools or weapons of copper, 
but only ceremonial forms based on stone originals. 
The Mayas had also become expert potters and had 
developed weaving and basket-making to a high point. 
They cut jade and other semiprecious stones into gro- 
tesque and fantastic but often beautiful forms. Their 
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