THE MAYA YEAR 



By Cyrus Thomas 



INTRODUCTION. 



According to the earlier authors whose works have been preserved, 

 the calendar system found in use among most of the tribes of Mexico 

 and Central America at the time of the Conquest was as follows: 

 The year consisted of eighteen months of twenty days each, with five 

 supplemental days added at the close of the eighteenth month, or of 

 365 days. Each day of the month had a name, and they were also 

 numbered, but uji to thirteen only, the year being thus divided into 

 what may be called "weeks" of thirteen days each. This peculiar 

 arrangement resulted in forming four year-series — that is, years com- 

 mencing with four different days. As the years, without some arbi- 

 trary change, could begin only with these four days, following one 

 another in definite order, they are denominated the "dominical days," 

 or "year-bearers." 



An examination of the codices has shown that the months referred 

 to in the time series contain twenty days, each day having its distinct 

 symbol and all numbered as above stated; and that eighteen months 

 were counted to the year. If, therefore, it can be shown that the year 

 used consisted of 365 days the system of the codices will be brought 

 into complete harmony with the authorities referred to. 



The object of this paper is to present what is believed to be clear 

 and positive proof that the time system of the Dresden codex is based 

 on the year of 365 days, which necessarily results in forming four 

 series of years, each with its particular year-bearer or dominical <lay. 

 Some evidence is also presented to show that the same calendar system 

 was used in the inscriptions at Palenque, Lorillard, and Tikal. 



I desire to acknowledge here my indebtedness to Dr. E. Forstemann, 

 of Dresden, for his suggestion to me, in a private communication, that 

 a more thorougli examination of the series on plates 46-50 of the Dres- 

 den codex might result in determining the length of the year. 



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