amahay, which is translated by the best authorities “messenger of the council,” and ordinarily was applied to an official who communicated the decisions of the councils of one village to that[37] of another.[37-1] Another title, mentioned by Xahila, is ahpop-achi, the last word means man, vir.
A third article, which distinguished the higher classes, was the seat or stool on which they sat during solemn ceremonies. This was called
aalibal, an instrumental noun from the verb
al, to be visible or prominent, persons so seated being elevated above, and thus distinguished from others, from this the verbal form,
alel, was derived, meaning “he who is prominent,” etc., or, more freely, “illustrious,” “distinguished.”[37-2] The title ahpop
alel meant, therefore, originally “he who is entitled to a mat and a stool,” that is, in the council chamber of his town.