
THOMAS] THE THIRD DAY 22 
appears beyond question to be its signification in Tro. 25a and in other 
places in the same and other codices. This supposition 1s also consistent 
with the fact that some of the symbols, especially those of the inserip 
tions (plate LXIvV, 42), have dots along the broken line, which may indi- 
cate the raindrops into which the cloud is breaking. Iam therefore not 
inclined to accept Dr Seler’s supposition that it is intended to repre- 
sent the opening to a cavern, after the conventional method adopted by 
the Mexican artists. It is improbable, though not impossible, that the 
older system may have adopted some features from the younger. 
Moreover, this supposition on the part of Dr Seler is in direct conflict 
with his statement in the immediately preceding paragraph. He says: 
Itis to be observed as applying chiefly to the manuscripts and the reliefs, that 
the two side points which project like teeth from the inner circle of the character 
could in nowise have signified teeth. Such an interpretation is contradicted by the 
occasional change of their position [plate Lx1v, 47] and the fact that they also 
appear now and then exactly like eyes [plate Lx1v, 39]. 
Now the Mexican cavern symbol, as shown in his figures and as 
given in Penatiel’s “‘ Nombres Geograficos,” appears to be the open ser- 
pent mouth with teeth and fangs. It is therefore more probable that 
the symbol was derived as above indicated. Among the Indian picto- 
graphs given by Colonel Mallery ! as representing clouds are those shown 
in plate Lxty, 45 and 44, An Ojibwa cloud symbol? is shown in plate 
LXIV, 49, in which the circular outline denotesthe sky. It seems quite 
likely that the Maya symbol is intended to convey precisely the same 
idea. On the left (bottom) of plate 70, Borgian Codex, is a curved or 
arch-like figure somewhat on the same order as those given. It appears 
to represent the sky—but darkened sky, indicating night or obseurity. 
On its upper surface are nine heads, which probably signify the ‘+‘Nine 
Lords of the Night.” Below it is a black figure. On each side are 
two figures, the color of the four differing—one blue, another yellow, 
another black, and the ocher red. These are probably the regents of 
the cardinal points. 
If this supposition be correct, the symbol is purely ideographic and 
not phonetic or ikonomatic: but this does not forbid the idea that when 
used in other combinations it is used phonetically to give the chief 
sound element of the word indicated by the ideograph. Dr Seler 
claims, aS corroborative of his supposition, that ‘all symbols whieh 
are combined with the name of the third character are to be fully 
explained through the word ‘cavern.’” But it is far more likely that 
this (so far as it holds good) is due to the fact that the symbol is used 
because of its phonetic value or its chief phonetic element, ak, which 
is the same as the chief element of the Maya name for cavern—actun, 
actan, aktan (Henderson, MS. Lexicon). 
If this supposition be correct, it may furnish a clue to the name of the 
1 Fourth Ann. Rep. Bur. Eth. (1882-83), p. 238. 
2Schooleratt, ‘Indian Tribes,’ ete, vol. 1, pl. 51, No. 10, p. 360. 

