Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/172

106 The figures in the lower division of this plate, I think, are easily interpreted. Here is the cloud, or moisture, represented in the form of a serpent, with a Tlaloc head to denote its beneficial and fertilizing influence. Tlaloc, who has been riding upon it, now starts upon his descent to earth, bearing upon his back the symbol of abundance of food—a vase filled with corn and a vine loaded with fruit.

I am aware that I have heretofore referred to the serpent as a symbol of time, but this diversity in the application of this symbol has been recognized by others. Bancroft, after a thorough consultation of the numerous authorities in his extensive library, remarks, in speaking of the attributes of the Mexican god Huitzilopoctli: "Huitzilopoctli is also a snake god. * * * * If the snake signifies in one case time, in another world, and in another instance water, or the yearly rejuvenation of germs and blossoms, the eternal circle of nature, divination, soothsaying, it is quite proper, for all these qualities are found united in the god."

The figures in the upper division of XXVII are very similar in character and signification to those just described. Here is the snake cloud floating along, the crimson underlining indicating either the lightning or the effect of the setting sun. On the head stands Tlaloc, while he pours out the rain from the inverted vase in his hands. On another part stands a goddess, possibly Ixmol, also pouring the refreshing rain on the parched earth.

The central figure in the lower division of this plate has already been alluded to and the conclusion reached that it is the female deity Xnuc, the mountain, or mountain range, from which the rains of that region mostly come. The chief parts of the figures in this division may be thus explained: The blue lines, the rain flowing out from the skirts and down the sides; the serpent, the embryo cloud on the summit, through which the lightning, represented by the red dots, is playing. Here we see the four Chacs, with their distinguishing marks upon them; also Tlaloc, with a singular headdress.

From a careful study of these four plates I conclude that XXV precedes XXIV, and that XXVII precedes XXVI, in other words, should proceed to the left in the order paged.