INSCRIPTIONS OF THE GREAT PERIOD. 225 
Returning to the description of Stela B, the back presents a huge gro- 
tesque face, the eyes and mouth of which each contain a single glyph-block, 
making three in all. The center of the forehead is occupied by a human 
figure (see figure 36) seated cross-legged, which from this time on seems to 
have been a favorite subject of the Copan sculptors. ‘Theoneon Stela B is 
probably the earliest example of the type yet found.’ 
Each of the narrow sides of this stela con- 
tains a single line of glyph-blocks, 14 on the 
north side and 13 on the south side, which, with 
the 3 on the back, make a total of 14+13 +3 =30 
for the entire text. 
This arrangement of the design is new. It 
is most like Class 4, 7. ¢., a human figure on the 
front and glyphs on the back and two sides, except 
that in the case of Stela B the back has a large 
grotesque face with only three glyph-blocks—one 
in each eye and one in the mouth—in place of the 
usual two columns of glyph-blocks. Stela Bis, in — Fic. 36.—Seated human figure on 
co. back of Stela B. 
fact, a transitional type between Classes 4 and 5, 
more closely resembling the former, however, than the latter, to which, 
therefore, it has been assigned here. 
The inscription on the north side opens with an Initial Series introducing 
glyph at ai and this is followed by the Initial Series 9.15.0.0.0 4 Ahau 13 
Yax in A2-A8: 

Art ___ Initial Series introducing glyph 
A2 9 cycles 
A3. ~=« 5 katuns 
A4 Oo tuns 
As © uinals 
A6 o kins 
AT 4 Ahau 
ASUEE 3. Vax 
This reading is perfectly clear and offers no difficulties. The south side 
has only two glyphs of known meaning: Bs, Bo, “The End of Katun 15.” 
Several others, however, are of familiar form as B3a, B7, B8, B12, and B13. 
It should be noted that there is no Supplementary Series on Stela B, the 
month of the Initial Series terminal date immediately following the day. 
A summary of the text follows: 
North side, Ar Os. c.00- 4 Anais Yax 
South side, Bs, B6 End of Katun 15 
It is evident from the foregoing that Stele A and B both record the same 
hotun-ending. Stylistically considered, however, Stela B is a little later 
than Stela A. 
1 Other sculptures showing this figure are: Altars Q, IT, S, and L, the step in Temple 11, and two sculptures 
found on the terrace east of the Great Plaza. The last are now in the Museum of the Normal School at Teguci- 
galpa. Of a closely related type may be mentioned the figures on Altars L, Q, and R at Quirigua. 

