38 THE ARCHAIC MATA INSCRIPTIONS. 



that the rest of the series are numerals also. Of the double-character series, or what 

 have been termed the ben-ik signs, three occur in positions where their numerative 

 value is demonstrable ; hence there can be little doubt that the entire series are 

 numerals. The same may be said of the hand series, and half a dozen others. In my 

 opinion, therefore, nearly all the minor characters in the inscriptions and many of the 

 larger ones will eventually be demonstrated to be signs for numbers. 



The number and diversity of these signs and the fantastic character of some of 

 them — notably the face series — suggest a hieratic design to conceal the purport of the 

 inscriptions from the uninitiated ; but I think the determinative feature of their 

 numeration, the desire to give symmetry and grace to their glyphs, and the possible 

 purpose to avoid sameness and repetition, sufficiently account for the variety without 

 ascribing it to a cryptogramic intention. It is probable, therefore, that all the other 

 series of numerals were as intelligible to the populace as the simple one of dots and 

 bars — being, as it were, a mere difference in the style of characters, such as is to be 

 seen in fancy printing or ornamental sign-writing. 



While it is likely that in most instances there is a full series of similar signs, just 

 enough modified to distinguish them from each other, running from 1 to 20, I do not 

 think this to be the case throughout. It will be found, I believe, that there are many 

 sporadic signs, or signs without any serial connection. The frequent use of certain 

 numbers accounts for this, and it is to designate these that solitary symbols are oftenest 

 employed. There will probably be more signs discovered for 13, 18, and 20, than for 

 any other number. 



I do not claim that the value of any sign about to be given is correct beyond 

 question. On the contrary, I think it very likely that in some instances I shall myself 

 find reason for a change. But, as in most cases I shall explain why I have attached 

 the value given to particular signs, the reader will not be misled, but can accept, 

 reject, or modify my estimate, according to his own judgment. It will be only by 

 persistent trial, assumption, alteration, and readjustment, until a figure that fulfils the 

 requirement of every condition under which a character appears is hit upon, that we 

 shall be able to fix the values of all the numeral signs. 



Before giving the lists of specific numerals I deem it advisable to speak of some 

 general principles that appear to underlie Maya notation. 



A sign for 2 generally indicates that the value of the character or characters 

 qualified by it is to be doubled. Of such signs the pendent opposed right angles or 

 an indented ball with two small dots in it is usually found with ear designs and other 

 ornamental numerals ; but the most common sign for doubling is a line or circle of 

 dots, either of which increases the value of the numeric symbol so qualified twofold. 



The cross, in its various forms, appears to have been dedicated to the number three 

 and multiples thereof. The St. Andrew's cross denotes 3, while the crossing of other 

 numeric signs in a similar manner signifies that the number they singly betoken is to 



