Take, for instance, the bird symbols on Plates 16, 17, and 18 of the Dresden Codex, presented in the preceding marginal figures numbered 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 33. If the determination be correct as given, it is apparent that, while one of the birds is indicated by the head as a symbol, the others are denoted by ideographs, or by phonetic characters bearing no resemblance to their forms or peculiar features. That numerous examples of this kind are to be found in these manuscripts will be admitted by all who have carefully studied them.
Another fact bearing upon this point is the difference between the Dresden Codex and the Manuscript Troano in regard to marking with symbols the things represented in the pictures. We fail to find in the former (unless that on Plate 30 be a possible exception) the earth or soil represented by any symbol, though frequently occurring in the latter and also occasionally in the Cortesian Codex. The symbol for wood or that appearing so often on wooden articles in the latter, and occasionally in the Cortesian Codex, is wanting in the Dresden Codex, though wooden articles are several times represented. From this we infer that the Manuscript Troano is a more recent production than the Dresden Codex, notwithstanding the evidences of greater skill in drawing and higher mathematical attainments shown in the latter.
Before discussing the question of phonography we ask attention to one or two facts regarding Landa’s alphabet which do not appear to have been previously noticed, yet have an important hearing on the subject.
The failure to reach any satisfactory results with this alphabet proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that this author was mistaken as to the character of the Maya writing; yet the frequent occurrence in the manuscripts of most, if not all, of the elements he presents renders it certain that there is a basis of truth on which it rests. It is probable, therefore, if we can find the key to his method, we may, after all, obtain some satisfactory results by means of his alphabet.
I have already stated as my belief that—
He has undertaken to pick out of their compound or syllabic characters the letter elements; hence it is that, while we find it impossible to decipher the manuscripts by using them, yet we find such frequent resemblances as to compel us to admit a fundamental relationship.[367-1]
This opinion I still believe to be correct, but was, until very recently, unable to get any positive evidence as to his method of obtaining these elements.
While examining the Cortesian Codes I came across (on Plate 17) the symbol for a turtle (the different varieties of which are shown in marginal figure [No. 4]), which is nothing more or less than an attempt to represent the head of the animal. In the more abbreviated form (b) I at once recognized Landa’s A (compare with c and d, [No. 4]). As the Maya name of the turtle is Ac or Aac it is apparent that in this instance the old Spanish priest selected a symbol representing an object the name of which contains a single syllable having, as its chief letter element, A. As this symbol is simply a representation of the animal’s head there is no reason to infer that it is phonetic; on the contrary, it is more reasonable to assume that it was used only as a conventional sign. It is possible that after long usage it may have been adopted as a phonetic character, though its exceedingly rare occurrence in the manuscripts (being found only in the Cortesian Codex and with the turtle figure) and the fact that it is seldom, if ever, used as part of a compound character would seem to forbid this idea.
Precisely the same method was adopted in obtaining his B, which is given in two forms, first as a foot print and second as a circle inclosing four circular dots. The first, as all are aware, is only a conventional sign and presumably not phonetic. The second may be phonetic, though apparently but an abbreviation of the first. In Plate 65c (see marginal [No. 20]) and Plate 41c the two forms are brought into such relation to each other as to show that the latter is used as a symbol to represent the idea conveyed by the first. The proof in these cases is too strong to admit of doubt and explains Landa’s method of obtaining his B, which, as before stated, was by selecting the symbol of that which is denoted by a Maya word of one syllable having B as its chief letter element, Be being the Maya word for “way,” “journey,” “walking,” &c.
The symbol for the cacao given above in marginal [No. 22] contains his eleventh letter Ca twice and is probably that from which it was taken; likewise that of the Kukuitz or Quetzal (marginal [No. 26]) and of the Kuch or vulture (marginal [No. 27a]), each of which contains his Ku, being double in the former and single in the latter. I am as yet unable to trace these two symbols to their origin; we might suppose, from Landa’s figure of the latter, that it was intended to represent a bird’s nest containing eggs, but an examination of the symbol as found in the manuscript renders this conclusion doubtful.