Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/173

Rh Plate XXVIII appears to relate somewhat to the same general subject as the preceding group just described, but is not so directly connected with them as they are with each other. It seems, in fact, to belong between this group and the one which follows (in the order of the paging), and apparently precedes the former.

The chief objects of interest on this plate are the figures in the second and lower division. The larger figures either represent two deities closely allied and belonging to the same class, or are symbolic. As they are frequently met with throughout the Manuscript I presume they are recognized deities. In this place I think they represent the earth or soil, which, parched and dry in consequence of a severe drought, are here represented as looking up toward the heavens, as if supplicating rain upon the planted and sprouting maize, the emblems: of which they bear in their hands. As will be noticed elsewhere, there are very strong reasons for believing that the lower figure, and probably both, represent gods of death, or that they are symbols of death. This agrees very well with the explanation I have suggested. The lower figure has in one hand the bread symbol, in the other that of sprouting corn. In the hands of that of the second division are smaller figures, bearing Kan characters, here doubtless used as corn symbols.

These smaller figures with the two-colored face, which will be found frequently introduced on the next five plates, certainly represent something of the utmost importance in, or bearing a close relation to, Maya agriculture.

Without stopping just here to give my reasons for the belief, I venture the opinion that they are here given as figures of the deity Zamna, or Itzamna, but with the—as I presume generally understood—idea, or belief, that Itzamna and maize were equivalents, or so closely related, that to figure this deity in connection with agricultural subjects was equivalent to figuring maize, or possibly seed in a broader sense.

The blue, serpent-like figure with purple margin in the third division of this plate (XXVIII) is possibly intended as the symbol of a floating cloud. The chac in front, Tlaloc resting quietly on one of the curves, the blue color and purple lining all correspond with this idea. But the Zamna