122 A STUDY OF THE MANtJSCRIPT TEOANO. 



The lower divisions of XIX* and XX* are occupied with figures of 

 women bearing burdens. The substance borne by three out of the eight is 

 denoted by Kan figures, which, as I have lieretofore intimated, represent 

 maize. The two burdens indicated by death symbols possibly denote the 

 bones or ashes of their dead; I thhik it likely some of them denotes cala- 

 bashes, gourds, or some vegetable of this kind. 



This "death symbol," as I have called it, may also be used as the 

 symbol of some such vegetable product, especially as there are one or two 

 Maya words of similar sound that signify calabash, gourd, &c. The right- 

 hand figure of XX* is carrying something which probably denotes squashes, 

 and the two at the right of XIX* their lares and penates. 



The figures in the third division of Plate XX* (see Fig. 8'j) form the 

 sequel to the first and second of XIX*, but we are not to understand this as 

 representing baptism,^ as the sprinkling is not performed by a priest, nor is 

 there a priest present; but rather as ordinary ablutions 



The two figures in the left compartment, upper division of XXI*, are 

 undoubtedly time symbols. The triangular Ezanab character in front of 

 the Chac probably denotes the close of a luster or Cycle, as tliis is the last 

 of the intercalated days of the Ix years. The circles on tlie curved figure 

 may signify years or Ahaues. 



The females in the lower divisions of XXI* and XXII* appear from 

 their hair to be young unmarried persons, who are probably praying unto 

 the gods, represented by the idols before them, to give them husbands, or 

 to grant some special favor. 



The upper division of Plates XXIII*-XXVIII* appear to relate 

 to warfare. On Plate XXVII* we see the victors returning, leading their 

 prisoners and captured animals, singing and dancing as they move along. 

 By the wayside is one of the slain enemies being devoured by a vulture. 

 Here the priest is seen also with his captive, but, as might be expected, it 

 is a woman. 



On XXVI* and XXV* we see the prisoners delivered into the hands of 

 the priests to be sacrificed. Holding by the hair, as here shown, appears 



'As to the Maya baptism, see the quotation from Landa's Kelacion and Translation, Appendix 



