Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/200

134 whole is intended as a symbolic representation of death cutting the thread of human life.

On Plate XIX*, and elsewhere, the figures on which the individuals are seated are marked as shown in our Fig. 39a. According to Brasseur's interpretation these signify "mats." In this I think he is undoubtedly correct. He asserts that Fig. 39* also denotes a mat, but this I think doubtful, as I find it on cords, or ropes, and on the roofs of houses; possibly in the latter case it may represent a kind of matting.

Prisoners are usually represented here, as in the Mexican Codices, with their long hair in the grasp of their captors or executioners.

Fig. 40, found on Plate XXV*, probably shows the form either of the bat used in playing ball or of a fan. Fig. 41, copied from Plate XX*, undoubtedly represents one of their bird-cages, as in it, in the no. 43. original, there is a captive bird. The opening appears to have been at the bottom. To the top were attached cords, by which to carry it.

Fig. 42, found on Plate XXXII*, and elsewhere, I think represents a block of wood to be used in the manufacture of an idol or some temple implement. Fig. 45.

Fig. 43, found frequently in the Manuscript, is doubtless the leaf of the mimosa or some similar plant. Fig. 44—see Plate XXIX*—may possibly represent a kind of tapestry or curtain hung over the doors or openings of the interior rooms of the temples. The interlacing and the square notches at the bottom show that it is some kind of cloth.

Fig. 45, found so frequently on the heads of individuals, I think, as heretofore intimated, is a time symbol