Page:Mexican Archæology.djvu/308

248 the mouth. Seler suggests that the word may come from may-nik = cloven hoof. The Mexican sign is a deer's head or hoof, and the Zapotec word also means deer. The flesh of this animal was the principal animal food of the Maya.

Lamat. 'The Zapotec word means "divided," and this corresponds with the Maya sign; but it is difficult to see how either can be brought into relation with the Mexican tochtli, a rabbit.

Muluc. Both the Zapotec and Mexican words mean "water," and probably the Maya sign, though much conventionalized, may have a similar significance.

Oc. The sign represents the head or ear of the dog as pictured in the MSS., and thus corresponds to the Mexican itzcuintli.

Chuen. Probably the conventionalized face of a monkey, in which case the sign corresponds to the Mexican ozomatli. The Kakchiquel word for this day is Batz and it will be remembered that in the Quiché legend Hun Chuen and Hun Batz were turned into monkeys.

Eb. The grotesque head with its prominent teeth and fringed "ear"? corresponds to the jaw-bone and bunch of grass of the Mexican malinalli.

Ben. The Zapotec word means "reed," and so corresponds with the Mexican acatl, while the Maya glyph probably represents a reed mat.

Ix. The sign represents the spotted face of the ocelot, which also gives its name to the corresponding Mexican day.

Men. An aged face; the Mexican sign is the eagle, closely connected Sith the aged goddess Tonantzin.

Cib. The sign seems to be connected in some way with honey-wine or mead, and frequently appears upon jars in the MSS. The Mexican sign is the vulture, a symbol of old age, and it will be remembered that in Mexico only the aged were allowed free use of intoxicants.