rnoMAsi EXPLANATION OF FIGURES ON PLATES XVII-XIX. 101 



In the lowest division of Plate XVII we observe a woman piercing 

 her tongue with a maguey leaf, while in front is an incense-burner. 



The two figures in the upper division of Plate XIV are doubtless Chacs 

 selected for the occasion, who are carrying to the festival the implements of 

 the chase and a sun image. The character on which the figure in the lower 

 left-hand corner, middle division of the same plate, is standing, is probably 

 a representation of the trap, or rather trigger, used in snaring game. 



We observe that the left-hand figure of the lower division of Plate 

 XVI is bearing in his hands a Kan symbol on which is placed a deer's head. 

 We see exactly the same combination in the fifth transverse line of the title- 

 page — a deer's head on a Kan synibol, emblems of their chief means of 

 subsistence, maize and venison. 



The figures in the middle division of Plate XVIII are evidently sym- 

 bolical, as the positions are unnatural. I am inclined to believe the upper 

 of the two figures denotes a supposed phantom, which, according to the 

 superstitions of the Indians, flew through the air, destroying game as it 

 passed. This is a mere supposition based wholly on the figures themselves, 

 yet one that I think is warranted. 



The figure in the lower division of this plate (XVIII) probably repre- 

 sents a priest clothed in animal skin, or an idol. 



The black and white figures in the middle and lower division of XIX 

 are grinding paints to be used in their ceremonies. The black is the same 

 personage as the right-hand figure in the upper division of Plate VI (Chic- 

 chac-Chob). The white one in the middle division is a personage we fre- 

 quently meet with on the pages of this work and in reference to which I 

 will have more to say hereafter. The white figure in the lower division is 

 certainly the same as those on Plates XXII and XXIII, which I have de- 

 cided represent Uayeyab idols. It here no doubt signifies a priest dressed to 

 represent this idol. 



Plates XXIV-XXVIII appear to relate to one subject — the rainy 

 season, or rains, storms, clouds, &c. I think it quite probable that pictures 

 of this kind seen by the early writers on the manuscripts which they 

 inspected, were the ones they supposed related to the great floods which 

 inundated that country. 



