T.iOMAs.i EXPLANATION OF FIGURES ON PLATES XXIV-XXVII. 105 



deatli symbol. This god we know was a companion of, or, rather, accom- 

 panied by, TIaloc, whose figure we see by turning to the adjoining Plate 

 XXIV. But here, instead of being in his favorite blue, we see him clothed 

 in black and bearing on his arm the shield that forms one of the tokens of 

 the war god. On this we see the symbol for Ik, "breath" or "wind," 

 twice given, betokening the storm and the whirlwind. In his right hand 

 the spear-hurler, or, as here used, the lightning symbol, while in front of 

 him is the Uayeyab idol or figure representing the year, upon whose head 

 the torrents are descending, and upon whom the angry TIaloc appears to be 

 venting his wrath. If a supposition, hereafter more fully explained, that 

 this figure represents Zamna, or corn, prove correct, the signification of 

 what is here shown is at once clear. 



Above the head of the god, sailing through the air, is a batrachian, or 

 frog-like animal, a symbol of abundant water. 



The large character in the middle, which has the inner space blank, 

 was doubtless intentionally left so. I am unable to guess its meanino-, 

 unless it be a time symbol of some kind. The transverse line of partially 

 obliterated characters at the top are similar to those found in the middle 

 transverse line on Plates XX-XXIII, which probably have the same signifi- 

 cation here as there. 



As before remarked. Plates XXVI and XXVII appear to belong 

 together, and to refer to the milder and beneficial rains. 



In the upper division of the former we see TIaloc, accompanied by his 

 four Chacs, the latter without any marks of distinction, as here the inten- 

 tion appears to be to represent them as rain-givers only. The former is 

 shown here in his usual blue color, but the scorpion-like caudal appendage 

 is uncommon, and, taken in connection with the plate on the loins to which 

 it is attached, is, as I believe, a time symbol of some kind. We notice 

 that the claw at the tip appears to clasp the single red numeral character 

 surrounded by dots. In this space we also observe the symbols of the 

 four cardinal points, one by each Cliac.^ 



'I have been iu considerable doubt as to whether these minor deities are Chacs or Bacabs, as 

 there appears to be much confusion in the writings of the old authors iu reference to them; but have 

 decided to apply the uame Chacs to those which appear to be related to the rain gods. I think it proba- 

 ble that the two terms apply to the same deities. 



