Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/167

Rh In the lowest division of Plate XVII we observe a woman piercing her tongue with a maguey leaf, while in front is an-incense-burner.

The two figures in the upper division of Plate XIV are doubtless Chacs selected for the occasion, who are carrying to the festival the implements of the chase and a sun image. The character on which the figure in the lower left-hand corner, middle division of the same plate, is standing, is probably a representation of the trap, or rather trigger, used in snaring game.

We observe that the left-hand figure of the lower division of Plate XVI is bearing in his hands a Kan symbol on which is placed a deer's head. We see exactly the same combination in the fifth transverse line of the title-page—a deer's head on a Kan symbol, emblems of their chief means of subsistence, maize and venison.

The figures in the middle division of Plate XVIII are evidently symbolical, as the positions are unnatural. I am inclined to believe the upper of the two figures denotes a supposed phantom, which, according to the superstitions of the Indians, flew through the air, destroying game as it passed. This is a mere supposition based wholly on the figures themselves, yet one that I think is warranted.

The figure in the lower division of this plate (XVIII) probably represents a priest clothed in animal skin, or an idol.

The black and white figures in the middle and lower division of XIX are grinding paints to be used in their ceremonies. The black is the same personage as the right-hand figure in the upper division of Plate VI (Chicchac-Chob). The white one in the middle division is a personage we frequently meet with on the pages of this work and in reference to which I will have more to say hereafter. The white figure in the lower division is certainly the same as those on Plates XXII and XXIII, which I have decided represent Uayeyab idols. It here no doubt signifies a priest dressed to represent this idol.

Plates XXIV-XXVIII appear to relate to one subject—the rainy season, or rains, storms, clouds, &c. I think it quite probable that pictures of this kind seen by the early writers on the manuscripts which they inspected, were the ones they supposed related to the great floods which inundated that country.