uval is translated by Guzman and others, “diamond;” but it was probably native jade.
Chuluc balam, literally “tiger piss,” the name of a common medicinal plant, used in Guatemala as a diuretic (Guzman). In this connection it either means the totem of a gens, or refers to a magic rite. The former seems to be indicated by the term chicop (see Introd. p. [39]).
xahun chi raxon ru halebal, a punning allusion to the name of the hill Paraxone. Brasseur translates it “qui possédent l’un et l’autre ces oiseaux bleus enchanteurs.”
[40.] The sun had risen, etc. All these expressions are to be understood metaphorically, with reference to the growing civilization of the tribes.
[41.] The description of the installation of Ba
ahol as head chief, is an interesting passage. Unfortunately, several of the terms used are not found in the dictionaries, at least with any appropriate meaning. Thus, paz is now applied to the swathing bands of infants; cuçul is the cradle or bundle in which infants[204] are fastened; while ta
h I have not found at all. Guzman gives the expression, titil