GREAT CYCLE AND CYCLE SYMBOLS 



267 



This is an evident appro;u-h tu tlie great-cycle symbol, as may be seen 

 by comparing number 9, figure 163, with the types of the usual form 

 shown in numbers 1 and 2, figure 162. The usual cycle symbol or 

 symbol of the 5th order of units (figure 165 and figure 148) does not 

 follow the ahau type, being wholly different in form. But an exam- 

 ination of the great-cycle symbols given in numbers 1 and 2, figure 102, 

 and in the other figures referred to above shows clearly that they are 

 based on the ahau symbol. If the additions to the aliau symbol in 

 order to form this symbol have any number signification — and it is 

 reasonable to suppose that they do, as the symbols are numeral 

 characters — tlieu Goodman is probably right in assuming that the 

 comb-like figures (the center character being variable) denote 20 as a 

 multiple. The ordinary cycle symbol varies from the ahau type, 

 being made up of two Caiiac characters; but these have the same sig- 



Fio. 183. Types of tbe ahau (.360) symbol. 



nification, if Goodman be right, as the comb-like figures in the katun 

 and great-cycle symbols — tliat is, 20. Of this, however, we have no 

 positive proof, except it be found in the symbol itself, where the char- 

 acter is, or tbe two combined are, beyond question, used to represent 

 a number. An examination of the face characters for this period or 

 ordei- of units shows that, as a general rule, the symbol of 20 or full 

 count (equals 0) (see figure 144) is present in the form of a hand 

 across the lower jaw. We have also called attention to the fact that 

 tlie only face character of the great cycle found in the inscriptions 

 (see glyph 5, figure 158) has the hand across the lower jaw, indicating 

 that it is equivalent to 20 of the next lower order, that is, 20 cycles. 



There is, in fact, seemingly positive evidence that the superfix of 

 the great-cycle characters does not and can not give the number 54, as 

 thost^ wliich represent this great cycle, be its number what it may, 

 differ from one another, as will he seen by refei-ence to figure 162, 



