106 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



[bull. 64 



Fig. 53. — Conventionalized 

 representation of bird on 

 vessel shown in plate 17. 



and out. Upon the outer surface of the vase and the upper surface of 

 the lid are incised in low relief a series of pictographs, identical upon 

 both. From the nature of the design and the fact that the vase con- 

 tained a number of fragments of human bones, it seems probable that 

 it was intended for a cinerary urn. The design is of considerable inter- 

 est and worthy of detailed consideration. The most prominent object 

 upon both the lid and the vase itself is a naked human figure in a re- 

 cumbent position, with the arms flexed over the 

 chest and abdomen and the knees and thighs 

 semiflexed. The ornaments worn consist of an 

 elaborate feather-decorated headdress, a labret, 

 or nose ornament (it is somewhat difficult to 

 determine which), and large bead anklets and 

 wristlets. Below the head, on the body of the 

 vase, is the conventionalized representation of a 

 bird (fig. 53) with extended drooping wings, and 

 a rectangular object occupying the position of the beak. On the lid, 

 probably from lack of room, this bird is represented only by the 

 rectangular object, beneath which is seen the conventionalized ser- 

 pent's head, represented only by the upper jaw, from which project 

 the head and hand of a human being, whom it is in the act of swal- 

 lowing. This monster, with a human head projecting from its niouth, 

 is frec|uontly represented in mounds in this area, usually in the form 

 of a clay figurine. 



The next figure is probably intended to represent Quetzalcoatl, the 

 Cuculcan of the Maya, and God B of the Codices. It is the shrunken 

 bearded face of an old man, with a single tooth in the lower jaw, very 

 prominent nose, and a bird's head (probably that of the owl) in the 

 headdress. These are all well-recognized characteristics of this god. 

 At the back part of the headdress of the god, and connected with it, is 

 a human face. Immediately above the 

 head of Cuculcan is depicted a fish, 

 with a flower-like object in front of its 

 mouth (fig, 54), which is probably con- 

 nected with this god, who is frequently 

 associated with objects connoting 

 water, vegetation, and fertility, as fish, 

 flowers, water plants, leaves, and shells. 



The next figure probably represents Schellhas's God K of the 

 Codices. This god possesses an elaborate foliated nose, and is usually 

 closely associated with God B, as he is in the present instance; indeed 

 Brinton and Fewkes regard him as being merely a special manifesta- 

 tion of the latter god, while Spinden is of the opinion that his face is 

 derived from that of the serpent so constantly associated with God 

 B.i Thelower jaw of the god seems to consist of a dry bone, Imme- 



Decoration on vessel shown in 

 plate 17. 



See Spinden, Maya Art, p. 64. 



