MORLEY] INTRODUCTION TO STUDY OF MAYA HIEROGLYPHS 13 



less his will prevailed just so far as he had sufficient strength to enforce 

 it. The hatahs, or underchiefs, were obHged to visit him and render him 

 their homage. They also accompanied him in his tours about the 

 country, which always gave rise to feasting back and forth. Finally 

 they advised him on all important mattei"s. The office would seem 

 to have been no stronger in any case than its incumbent, since we 

 hear of the halach uinic of Mayapan being obliged to surround himself 

 with foreign troops in order to hold his pieople in clieck. 



Each batab governed the territory of which he was the hereditary 

 ruler, instructing his heir in the duties of the position, and counseling 

 that he treat the poor with benevolence and maintain peace and 

 encourage industry, so that all might live in plenty. He settled aU 

 lawsuits, and through trusted lieutenants ordered and adjusted the 

 various affaii-s of liis domain. When he went abroad from his city 

 or even from his house a great crowd accompanied him. He often vis- 

 ited his underchiefs, holding court in their houses, and meeting at night 

 in council to discuss matters toucliing the common good. The batabs 

 frequently entertained one another with dancing, hunting, and feast- 

 ing. The people as a community tilled the batab's fields, reaped his 

 corn, and supplied his wants in general. The underchiefs were simi- 

 larly provided for, each according to his rank and needs. 



The dhkulel, the next highest official in each district, acted as the 

 batab's deputy or representative; he carried a short thick baton in 

 token of his office. He had charge of the localities subject to his 

 master's rule as well as of the officers immediately over them. He 

 kept these assistants informed as to what was needed in the batab's 

 house, as birds, game, fish, corn, honey, salt, and cloth, which they 

 supplied when called on. The ahkulel was, in short, a chief steward, 

 and his house was the batab's busmess office. 



Another important position was that of the nacon, or war-chief. 

 In times of war this functionary was second only to the hereditary 

 chief, or batab, and was greatly venerated by all. His office was 

 elective, the term being three years, during which he was obliged to 

 refrain from mtercourse with women, and to hold himself aloof from all. 



An important civil position was that held by the ahholpop, in 

 whose keeping was the tunTcul, or wooden drum, used in summoning 

 people to the dances and public meetings, or as a tocsin in case of war. 

 He had charge also of the "town hall" in which all public business 

 was transacted. 



The question of succession is important. Bishop Landa distinctly 

 states in one passage "That when the lord died, although his oldest 

 son succeeded him, the others were always loved and served and even 

 regarded as lords." This would seem to mdicate de&iitely that 

 descent was by primogeniture. However, another passage suggests 

 that the oldest son did not always succeed liis father: "The lords 

 were the governors and confirmed their sons in their offices if -they 



