We desire to call the particular attention of the reader to the following piece of sculpture, as it will hold a conspicuous position as we advance in this volume.
"Near this [idol last mentioned] is a remarkable altar, which perhaps presents as curious a subject for speculation as any monument at Copan. The altars, like the idols, are all of a single block of stone. In general, they are not so richly ornamented, and are more faded and worn, or covered with moss. All differed in fashion, and doubtless had some distinct and peculiar reference to the idols before which they stood."
Each of the idols, therefore, had an altar before it, and each of the altars had its relative idol, except the one about to be described.
"This altar stands on four globes (?) cut out of the same stone: the sculpture is in bas-relief, and it is the only specimen of that kind of sculpture found at Copan, all the rest being in bold alto-relievo."
By a reference to the map for its locality, we find that it is situated nearly in the very centre of the vast Temple. This, together with its being alone, unassociated with an Idol—the sculpture being entirely different, and "the only specimen" found there, all the others being in alto, but this in basso—(a proof of its greater antiquity)—the very stone seems to find a voice to proclaim that it was the Chief Altar of Copan. It may be "a curious subject," but certainly does not require much "speculation" to form a conclusion. The description of the detail of the sculpture seems to furnish another reason for believing it to be the principal Altar.
"It is six feet square, and four feet high; and the top is divided into thirty-six tablets [or squares] of hieroglyphics, which beyond doubt record some EVENT in the history of the mysterious people who once inhabited the city."
This we distinctly believe; and that the sculpture about to be described, TRANSLATES THE HIEROGLYPHICS, and those being translated, the "event in the history" is then arrived at. Whether we have accomplished this or not, the reader will judge as he proceeds,—for we have looked upon this Chief Altar as the "Rosetta-stone" of the ruins—the Key-stone in the arch of mystery.
"Each side of the altar represents four individuals. On the West-side are the two principal personages, chiefs, or warriors, with their faces opposite to each other, and apparently engaged in argument or negotiation. The other fourteen (figures) are divided into two equal parties, and seem to be following their leaders. Each of the two principal figures is seated cross-legged, in the Oriental fashion, on an hieroglyphic, which probably designated his name and office, or character; and on two of which the Serpent forms part."
The description reads "three," the engraving shews only two Serpents; the later will be received as correct, from the accuracy ascribed to the drawings by Mr. Stephens, and already quoted.
"Between the two principal personages, is a remarkable cartouche, containing two hieroglyphics, well preserved, which reminded us strongly of the Egyptian method of giving the names of the kings and heroes in whose honour monuments were erected. The head-dresses are remarkable for their curious and complicated form. The figures have all breastplates, and one of the two principal characters holds in his hand an instrument, which perhaps may be considered a sceptre,—each of the others holds an object, which can be only (?) a subject for speculation and conjecture."