46 



THE AECHAIC MAYA INSCEIPTIONS. 



FACE SIGN FOR 8. 



The lobed ear ornament projecting on the cheek appears to be the only constant 

 characteristic of this face ; but it will be seen later on that the forehead ornament of 

 the first two faces is also a distinguishing feature of the face numeral for S. 



FACE SIGN FOR 9. 



The variation in these faces is so great that it can only be accounted for on the 

 theory that the sculptors assumed that everybody must know what the current cycle 

 was, and therefore carved the sign with the greatest freedom in initial dates. This 

 surmise is rendered probable by the fact that when they came to inscribe it in the body 

 of the text they exercised more care, its numerous representations there being very 

 uniform. Its characteristics in this position are the peculiar forehead ornament and 

 the thick protruding lips shown in the first of the above signs, the latter giving the 

 face an expression of uncommon stolidity and solemnity. A circle of dots and a line 

 with a curve in the middle appear frequently on the cheek of this face ; but as neither 

 is constant, and as both are sometimes found on other faces, I doubt if they are to be 

 considered as distinguishing traits. 



