Ik. This glyph contains the peculiar T-shaped eye found in the head which forms the name-glyph of God B (Fig. [46, e]; p. 221). This I interpret as an eye from which tears are streaming, symbolical of rain, and it is noticeable that Eecatl, whose head constitutes the corresponding Mexican day-sign, is shown with a weeping eye (Fig. [4, d]; p. 35).
Akbal. This is a conventional skull-face, and represents night or darkness, appearing frequently on the “sky-bar.” The corresponding Zapotec word also implies night, and the Mexican calli (a house without windows) may well have the same connotation.
Kan. This probably represents a grain of “popped” corn, and the Zapotec word may be taken to refer either to corn or a frog. The Mexican sign is a lizard, and was associated with agricultural fertility.
Chicchan. This sign shows the peculiar cross-hatched spot so often seen applied as ornament to the bodies of serpents; the Zapotec name appears to mean “omen-bearer,” and the Mexican sign is a snake.
Cimi. The head of the death-god, as among the Mexicans.
Fig. 53.—Maya day-signs; upper rows from the monuments; lower rows from the MS.
- A. imix.
- B. ik.
- C. akbal.
- D. kan.
- E. chicchan.
- F. cimi.
- G. manik.
- H. lamat.
- K. muluc.
- L. oc.
- M. chuen.
- N. eb.
- O. ben.
- P. ix.
- Q. men.
- R. cib.
- S. caban.
- T. eznab.
- U. cauac.
- V. ahau.
Manik. A hand in the attitude of conveying food to 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.