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|
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND FLORA 13780
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCH AOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Vous. I-IV.
= ai)
APPENDIX.
By J. T. GOODMAN.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED F OR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
1889-1902.
FLAMMAN,
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
i,
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4 a
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j END.
; wy,
Voutume I,
Voxtume II.
Vouume III.
Voitume LV.
APPENDIX.
CONTENTS.
ARCH OLOGY.
Vorss ive
(TE XT.)
PREFACE
InTRODUCTION
COPAN
QUIRIGUA .
IXKUN
YAXCHE.
RABINAL
CHINCUDATGMe ener ta tt:
UTATLAN ann IXIMCHE
GUATEMALA—MIXCO (Founpation-Mounps)
MENCHE. .
CHICHEN ITZA
TIKAL .
PALENQUE .
THE ARCHAIC MAYA INSCRIPTIONS
CALENDARS.
1-144
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE. GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCHAOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Vot. I.
(TEXT.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
1889-1902.
FLAMMAM,
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET,
PREFACE.
RRR RRR sn reer
My first journey through the Central-American forests in search of the ruins of
ancient Indian towns, during the winter of 1882-85, was merely a journey of curiosity,
and I had no intention whatever of making a study of American archeology. How-
ever, the interest awakened by the sight of the truly wonderful monuments which it
was my good fortune to behold induced me to undertake other and better-equipped
expeditions, and the kindly encouragement and splendid liberality of the Editors of
the ‘ Biologia Centrali-Americana’ led to the results of my journeys being published
in the present form.
I was at a loss to know how best to make use of my notes and collections, when
Mr. Godman kindly offered to relieve me of all the expense of printing and the
reproduction of plates, and to publish my work as an addition to the ‘ Biologia Centrali-
Americana,’ if I would supply all necessary photographs, drawings, and plans, and a
written memoir. I was naturally delighted to accept this generous offer, and from that
day to this every assistance aud the most valuable advice has been afforded me by my
Editors, and the work has gone on without a hitch. I am glad to have this oppor-
tunity of thanking Mr. Godman for his unfailing patience and kindness during the
many years over which the publication has extended, and to offer him my condolence
on the loss of his co-editor and lifelong friend, Mr. Osbert Salvin, whose kindly nature
endeared him to all, and by whose sound judgment and sympathetic advice I have been
guided and encouraged for so many years.
Since the publication of Stephens and Catherwood’s works in 1840-41, Central
America had been almost neglected as a field of archeological research, owing no
doubt, in a large measure, to the difficulties of travel and the disturbed state of the
a2
iv PREFAOH.
country. Such neglect is, however, never likely to occur again, for although many of
the ruins are as deeply buried in the forest as they were in Stephens’s time, steamboats
and railways have now brought the points of departure for exploring expeditions
within at most a fortnight’s journey from New York, and the Universities and learned
societies of the United States are becoming fully alive to the rich fields of research
within easy reach.
I have myself undertaken three expeditions since the Introduction to these volumes
was written, and was ably assisted in my work at Palenque and Quirigua by Mr. H.
W. Price, and at Chichén Itzai by Mr. H. N. Sweet.
M. Désiré Charnay has given us the results of his journeys in Mexico in ‘ Les
Anciennes Villes du Nouveau Monde,’ and the collections made by him are exhibited
in Paris. The Peabody Museum of Harvard University has equipped and sent out
expedition after expedition, and under its auspices Messrs. John G. Owens, G. B.
Gordon, and H. M. Saville have done good work at Copan and elsewhere. Mr. E. H.
Thompson has added much to our knowledge of the ruins of Northern Yucatan,
and Mr. Teobert Maler to that of the ruins of Southern Yucatan and the banks
of the Usumacinta. The results of these expeditions are to be found in the
publications of the Peabody Museum, and the fine collection of casts at Harvard
and also in the Natural History Museum of New York.
Dr. E. Seler, of Berlin, has again visited Mexico and Central America, and
has added to his valuable publications on American ethnology and archeology.
Mr. W. H. Tolmes has given us a most lucid account of his rapid survey of many
ruins during the winter of 1894-95, published by the Field Columbian Museum of
Chicago; and Dr. Carl Sapper has rendered great service, both by his geographical
observations and maps and by making sketch plans of many of the less known ruins.
Mr. Erwin Dieseldorff has most industriously dug up and collected specimens of
pottery in the Alta Vera Paz, of which drawings have been published. More
recently the Society of Antiquaries has published copies of the very interesting
mural paintings from British Honduras, unearthed and most carefully reproduced
by Mr. I. Gann, and Miss A. Breton has made accurate copies of the fast-vanishing
mural paintings at Chichén Itza. .
I have mentioned only the names of those working in the field within the area
dealt with in these volumes; but the list would have to be greatly extended were it to
ss)
PREFACE. Vv
include the names of workers in Mexico north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and of
those who have done so much excellent work in the reproduction of ancient Indian
codices and records as well as in their study and elucidation.
In the Introduction I ventured to express a hope that I might be able to make a
careful comparison of the monuments and inscriptions of the same locality, one with
the other, and then a further comparison between the different groups of ruins: this I
have not been able to do, and I did not at the time appreciate the magnitude of the
task and the prolonged study necessary for its satisfactory accomplishment. It has,
however, to some extent been accomplished in the much-criticised Appendix prepared
by my friend Mr. J. T. Goodman. ‘This is not the place to uphold the merits of
Mr. Goodman’s work, but I think that the continual use made of his calendars by
students of the inscriptions will reconcile him to any exception taken to some of his
theories.
Before closing these lines I wish to offer my thanks to Gorgonio Lopez and his
brothers, my faithful assistants and friends, who accompanied me on all but one of my
journeys; and to Mr. Giuntini, who spent two winters with me in the forests, and did
most excellent work under very trying conditions, and has since then made all the
casts which are stored in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and also the duplicate casts
of the more important pieces which the generosity of the Duke de Loubat secured for
the Trocadero Museum in Paris and the Natural [History Museum of New York, where
they are now exhibited.
I am indebted to Mr. E. Lambert, who made some of the first drawings from
the casts, when the style of work was unfamiliar and consequently presented many
difficulties. Above all, I wish to tender my grateful thanks to Miss Annie Hunter. ‘To
students of the inscriptions and sculptures her clever delineation of the carvings will
need no further commendation ; but I gladly welcome this opportunity of acknowledging
the inestimable value of her intelligent and untiring assistance during the cighteen
years this work has been in progress.
HAYS OEM wi Std A,
hy Rees EK
f ae
ug rik
; Aah WT
Ld ig it
¥ f ve 1] t Sy
staan Cah ehebe. Cm,
er
hapa
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me
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‘ iat ® Ay wae fad UMD: 4
CONTENTS.
ARCH ZOLOGY.
Vor.
(TEXT.)
IRI DT NODD hig acti Wn AGE ghee hols 6) lg MO 2bB Be. Ve. FOSS To ol 6 45) 0 io HY
LN TRO DW CRON Ged eects aia fuk peal oy Nod enue enters ten FoTh oiag)) Wey CMe varias a forage
COPAN.
PrincipaL Notices AND DescriIpPTIONS OF THE Ruins . . 2 « . 2 «© «© «© «© « 5-9
PERSONAL NARRATIVE. arty cer merie ais oy vebutal dae Qicey areca ie mural eoseuil Watt Oran area tarenen anita ah Les)
GENERAL) DESCRIPTIGNOR SITE! 12) iccl eal sine) | eis ele lel ie dente a elniee el olen lame G)
Detartep Description OF PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES . . » «© © + « «© «= © « « 17-32
Description OF STELA AND ALTARS ea GEIRY Sl hs pasa cai aby taal Comma ne OO
Description of ornament; the Feathered Serer SNA O Oso Lo) Oke oo) Cee
Notation and the Initial sues BRUHN He OFC Salhi sca oral Mansi DAU Fala Mo bGae SIP MeN stale) acto
SerpentsDindiey sw icimeiaver ty lieve avis nite nici) suaemmion Meira ta chleelmredite mm Oo C4)
Expeditiony ofp SO rae teai einem sie iol rouie it el deel mite sa die cml MOO OO
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.
St eee) Ue POU ire ee sig 1
Church at Esquipulas .. . 5 : SRST SHaVAueN chance zeta mre rs 4
Stone Head found lying on the Souter Siones (Co UA UPO SE Lely tor Geeta eaean aeeuiitre 9
Square Altar (T) in the Village of Copan. . . Seal tay SOO) G, cone 8) Sa 10
View of the principal group of ruined structures fom the INS Wit ich cules ewe 14
Sketch Map of the Site of Ruins at Copan. . Ds WON Gu ik Gledbtchs, AG heal 15
*Part of the face of a step from the Hieroglyphic Senay LE MRI O TS ONAL ist Glin 16
* See page 69.
vill CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT (continued).
Pages
The Jaguar Stairway, partly restored . 2 2 - 2 ee ee we ee ees 17
Temple at Tikal, partly restored . © 6 © 2 + © 6 «© ee ee ete es 18
Section through single-chambered house. . « - © + © © © © e © ee l 19
IROOF-StONE et Gein) ssl) eh) cei) eo Sacer ETON Roo ner ees Sti an ace
Plan OLMNOs Wild: Ma fo et ee eee ee aoe hone Pre Mar eT Cn Ceordieirl ie prpaesA Toray ie 21
Plan of the Western Court . . . SHR UU UTen hey CUR ANT oa ae akon) Cra yey Vc Eta ola tre 23
Section through No. 14, showing line of EXCAVALIONY Meee Wiese ie nears pil on Meena 25
PlanvoLMNo wl Gr ner, cape uee cer eth is) iaeld tenty cteiastecn iu Vope taumteu iene yen een MMe tr eds 25
Planvand: SectionoLe Nowe) merit aioe yee ent en erectile) Samco geStnNes healer ate 26
Planvo£ No. 22/25). s) . Se SANTI ice ne ter wecnt hr auU tes ote tiga Nenu tatt Gat Oe sor 28
Hieroglyphic Stairway tasction) mine e dlPelpornicss Lien Mec tesdiate are Mey aks Mitel sd es 30
Part of the face of a step from the Hieros alyahie Stairway, ded Nanos ane 32
Stone Mask from Mexico, now in the British Museum . .... +... 33
ne ‘ sy af (Sidewview) ire yi nee ina 35
Stone Head in the British Museum, said to have come from Copan . . . . . . 44
x a Es a ss (side view) . . 47
EsquipuLas.
INTRODUCTION.
Wuutsr so much has been done of late years to throw light on the history of the
ancient races of the east, our knowledge of the civilized nations of the western continent
has remained almost at a standstill. Comparatively little was accurately recorded of the
habits, customs and religion, or of the political and social life of the more civilized
American races when the conquering Spaniards first came in contact with them, and
next to nothing is known of their past history or the origin of their civilization.
So far is this the case that it is still a matter of dispute whether Montezuma was a
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., December 1888. 6
2 INTRODUCTION.
great hereditary emperor or merely the elected head of a communal household, and
whether the Mayas derived their culture from the Nahuas, or the Nahuas from the
Mayas, or whether both inherited it from the T oltecs, or, again, whether the Toltecs
themselves are not altogether mythical.
With regard to Mexico and Central America, Cortez, Bernal Dias, and a few others
amongst the early conquerors have left excellent accounts of what actually passed
before their eyes, and these records are of inestimable value. The writers who
followed during the first century of the Spanish occupation are not so satisfactory :
those who were Spaniards were inclined to exaggeration in order to magnify the
importance of the conquests and the strength of the resistance overcome by their
countrymen ; some, who were of distinguished Indian descent, were led so to define the
status of their ancestors as to bring it into accord with Spanish ideas of sovereignty ;
whilst nearly all were ecclesiastics, and were constrained to fit all Indian traditions
and to trace all native customs to an origin which was in accordance with the accepted
Biblical history of the human race.
But notwithstanding the exaggerated statements made by these writers, and the
erroneous interpretation which they put on much that they saw and heard, their
writings have a very considerable value.
It would indeed have been wonderful if the Spanish conquerors could have broken
the bonds with which the teaching of the day and the unquestioned religious belief of
the age fettered their minds. When they first landed in America their imaginations
were full of the phantasies and imagery of the east; they looked for fabulous cities and
fountains of eternal youth; but their ideas of government and social life did not range
beyond the feudal relationships of Western Europe, and their minds failed to grasp a
state of affairs so different from what they looked for, and so unlike that to which
they were accustomed, whilst even the most observant and discriminating were at a
great disadvantage in having to explain the social, religious, and political systems
of the New World in terminology suited only to the Old.
It is to be hoped that modern criticism will not long leave the information buried in
these records in its present unsifted condition, and that a more careful editing of the
early Spanish writings, and further research amongst the vast collection of documents
relating to the Indies which are preserved at Seville, will do much to determine the
accuracy of our knowledge and add considerably to its extent.
It is not, however, only from written records that our knowledge can be increased.
Lying scattered over certain portions of the American continent (and especially
numerous in the dense tropical forests between the south of Mexico and the
northern frontier of Honduras) are remains of buildings and monuments, which
were raised by the civilized races of America ages before the arrival of the Spaniards.
And it was with the desire to preserve some further record of these remains,
and especially to take exact copies of the carved hieroglyphic inscriptions, before the
disintegrating effects of a tropical climate and the careless mutilations by man had
INTRODUCTION. 3
rendered them useless for study, that the explorations were undertaken, the results of
which are given in this publication.
Stephens and Catherwood were the pioneers in this work, and their very accurate
and beautifully illustrated works will always remain of the greatest value to the
student of American Archeology ; but the improvements made during the last fifty years
in the processes of moulding and photography now make it possible to produce copies of
Indian carvings even more exact than those traced by the skilful hand of Catherwood.
In preparing this publication I am met at the outset with considerable difficulty
in determining in what order and what form the information and collections acquired
during my journeys can be rendered most intelligible and useful for study.
The plan of operations adopted as far as possible in America was first to establish
the geographical position of a group of ruins, and make a survey of the site, then to
take careful measurements of the buildings, and to photograph such as were sufficiently
well preserved, and then, where possible, both to mould in paper or plaster and to
photograph the sculptured monuments and all the hieroglyphic inscriptions. The
method of further investigation which promises to give the best result is the careful
comparison of the monuments and the inscriptions of the same locality, one with
another, and then the further comparison of the different groups of monuments which
I have examined, or such as are described with sufficient accuracy by other travellers.
The plan, then, which it is proposed to follow in this publication, is to give a sketch
map of the site of a group of ruins showing the position of the buildings and monu-
ments, to be followed by detailed plans of the buildings, and photographs and drawings
of the monuments and inscriptions, accompanied by such short notes as may, during the
course of publication, give some additional interest to the illustrations; but to defer a
fuller examination and comparison of the material presented until a sufficient number
of illustrations are before the reader to enable him to judge of the value of such
comments as may then be offered for his consideration. The work of making plaster
casts from the moulds taken in America is now in progress in England, and a consi-
derable number of these casts are already on exhibition at the South Kensington
Museum and the Archxological Museum at Cambridge. Skilful artists are being
employed to make drawings of all the inscriptions (and in some instances of other
sculptures) from the plaster casts, with the aid, in most cases, of photographs of the
original sculpture. These drawings, which I have most carefully supervised, are not
intended to be exact copies of the carvings in their present mutilated and weather-worn
state, but representations of the inscriptions, restored, as far as with our present know-
ledge they safely can be, to their original condition. I know how liable such restoration
is to serious error, and feel the responsibility involved in undertaking it. But careful
comparison of one inscription with another has convinced me that many of the worn
b2
4 INTRODUCTION.
glyphs can be restored with absolute certainty, and in no case will the restoration of
a glyph be attempted (except as a marginal note) where there is not a fair indication
of its original form. I have, however, the satisfaction of knowing that any student
seeking the interpretation of the inscriptions can correct the errors of the drawings
by reference to the photographs which will invariably accompany them, or by a visit
to the Museums where the casts are exhibited. The publication will be continued
in parts, as the work of casting and drawing progresses ; it will therefore of necessity
be fragmentary, and it may possibly be interrupted for a time, should I undertake
further explorations in Central America.
Cuaurcn at Esquipunas.
Cr
COPAN.
COPAN.
PrincipaL Notices AND Descriptions oF THE RUINS.
Copan has been already described in the following books and letters: —
A letter from the Licenciado Diego Garcia de Palacio to Philip II. of Spain, dated
Guatemala, 8th March, 1576.
Published in Spanish with an English Translation by Squier in ‘Collection of Rare
and Original Documents and Relations concerning the Discovery and Conquest of
America, chiefly from the Spanish Archives.’ New York, 1850. A copy of this
portion of the letter is also to be seen amongst the Muiios collection of Spanish MSS.
in the British Museum (17,571).
‘Historia de Guatemala; Recordacion Florida,’ escrita el siglo xvii. MS. By
Francisco Antonio de Fuentes y Guzman *.
Letter dated Copan, 19th June, 1834, from Colonel Juan Galindo, to the editor of
the ‘Literary Gazette’ of London, printed in ‘ Literary Gazette’ for 1835, pp. 456-7.
A similar letter printed in the ‘Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society,’
vol. xi. pp. 545-50.
‘Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan,’ by John L. Stephens.
John Murray, London, 1841.
No record has been left by the Spaniards who first penetrated into this part of the
country of the existence of any large town or civilized population where the ruins are
now found, and the attempt made by Juarros f, in his History of Guatemala, to connect
the site of the ruins with that of an Indian stronghold conquered by Hernando de
Chaves in 1530, will not bear scrutiny, although the fact that Chaves made an expe-
dition into this part of the country and subdued the Indians in the neighbourhood is
not disputed.
We have to turn, then, for the only trustworthy information given by the Spaniards
about these ruins to the letter written by the Licenciado Diego Garcia de Palacio, an
officer of the Audiencia of Guatemala, to King Philip II. of Spain. The contents of
this letter have been made use of by Herrera and other historians, but they have omitted
to take notice of that part dealing with the ruins of Copan. ‘The great importance of
this description was justly appreciated by Squier, who, in 1860, published the whole
letter in Spanish as well as an English translation. The following is Palacio’s account
of the ruins :—
“Near here, on the road to the city of San Pedro, in the first town within the
* The first half of this History (which does not contain any notice of Copan) was published with notes by
Don Justo Zaragoza, 2 vols., 8vo, Madrid, 1882-3.
+ Compendio de la Historia de la Ciudad de Guatemala, por El Senor Don Domingo Juarros. Guatemala,
1808.
6 COPAN.
province of Honduras, called Copan, are certain ruins and vestiges of a great population
and of superb edifices, of such skill and splendour that it appears that they could never
have been built by the natives of that province. ‘They are found on the banks of a
beautiful river in an extensive and well-chosen plain, which is temperate in climate,
fertile, and abounding in fish and game. Amongst the ruins are mounds which appear
to have been made by the hand of man *, as well as many other remarkable things.
‘“‘ Before arriving at them we find the remains of thick walls, and a great eagle in
stone, having on its breast a tablet a yard square, and on it certain characters which
are not understood. On arriving at the ruins we find another stone in the form of a
giant, which the elders amongst the Indians f aver was the guardian of the sanctuary.
Entering into it we find a cross of stone, three palms in height, with one of the arms
broken off. Further on we come to ruins, and, among them, stones sculptured with
much skill; also a great statue, more than four yards in height, which resembles a
bishop in his pontifical robes with a well-wrought mitre (on his head) and rings on
his fingers.
* Near this is a well-built plaza or square with steps, such as writers tell us are in
the Coliseum at Rome. In some places there are eighty steps, in part at least of fine
stone, finished and laid with much skill.
“In this square are six great statues, three representing men, covered with mosaic
work and with garters round their legs, their weapons covered with ornaments; two of
the others are of women with long robes and head-dress in the Roman style. The
remaining statue is of a bishop, who appears to hold in his hand a box or small cofier.
‘They seem to have been idols, for in front of each of them is a large stone with a small
basin and a channel cut in it, where they executed the victim and blood flowed off.
We found also small altars used for burning incense. In the centre of the square is a
large basin of stone which appears to have been used for baptism, and in which, also,
sacrifices may have been made in common. After passing this square we ascend by a
great number of steps to a high place which appears to have been devoted to mitotes
and other ceremonies; it seems to have been constructed with the greatest care, for
through the whole of it there can still be found stone excellently worked. On one side
of this structure is a tower or terrace, very high, and overhanging the river which
flows at its base.
“Here a large piece of the wall has fallen, exposing the entrance of two caves or
passages extending under the structure, very long and narrow, and well built. I was
not able to discover for what they served or why they were constructed. ‘There is a
grand stairway descending by a great number of steps to the river. Besides these things
© « Wai montes que paracen haber sido fechos a mano” Squier here translates ‘are trees which appear to
have been planted by hand.” ‘ Monte” all over Spanish America is synonymous with “ bush ” as that term
is used in Australia; but it here clearly is used in its original sense of hill or mound.
+ “ Dicen los Indios antiguos.”
COPAN. 7
there are many others which prove that here was formerly the seat of a great power and
a great population, civilised and considerably advanced in the arts, as is shown in the
various figures and building.
“ T endeavoured with all possible care to ascertain from the Indians, through the
traditions derived from the ancients *, what people lived here, or what they knew or
had heard from their ancestors concerning them. But they had no books relating to
their antiquities, nor do I believe that in all this district there is more than one, which
I possess. They say that in ancient times there came from Yucatan a great lord who
built these edifices, but that at the end of some years he returned to his native country,
leaving them entirely deserted.
** And this is what appears most likely, for tradition says the people of Yucatan in
time past conquered the provinces of Uyajalf, Lacandon, Vera Paz, Chiquimula, and
Copan ; and it is certain that the Apay language which is spoken here is current and
understood in Yucatan and the aforesaid provinces. It appears also that the design of
these edifices is like that of those which the Spaniards first discovered in Yucatan and
‘Tobasco, where there were figures of bishops and armed men and crosses. And as such
things are found nowhere except in the aforesaid places, it may well be believed that
the builders of ali were of the same nation.”
This description is such as might have been written by any intelligent visitor
within even the last few years. The edifices were evidently in a state of complete ruin,
and no mention is made of any roofed buildings or, in fact, of any buildings which
could have been used as habitations. It is clear from other parts of this letter that
Palacio was a very diligent and careful inquirer into all matters connected with the
history and customs of the Indians, yet the very vague story which he was able to
gather from the natives in the neighbourhood is no more than they would probably
have invented to account for the existence of the ruins, even had all connected tradition
died out.
The MS. of Fuentes y Guzman is preserved in the city of Guatemala. I have
looked through a copy which is kept in the University Library in that city, but regret
to say that arrangements which I made to have certain passages copied were not carried
out, and I am not able to quote them textually. However, I have little hesitation in
stating that information given by Fuentes is frequently untrustworthy and his writings
of Jittle value.
Fuentes’s description of Copan is so absurd and so directly contradicted by what can
still be seen on the spot that it has been long discredited, and is only worth quoting to
_show where the errors of later writers have had their origin.
The following is the account of the ruins of Copan given by Juarros in his History
# “Saber, por la memoria derivada de los antiguos, que gente vivio alli, e que saben e oyeron de sus
antepasados.”
+ Uyajal, probably Tyasal, the modern Flores, an island in the Lake of Peten.
§ COPAN.
of Guatemala, and there is no reason to doubt that he is quoting accurately from the
MS. of Fuentes :—
Copan was in former times the wealthy city and court of the Cacique Copan-Calel,
who was conquered, after much labour and difficulty, by the Capitan Hernando de
Chaves.
“The historian of this country, Don Francisco de Fuentes, asserts that in his time
(that is to say, in the year 1700) the Circus Maximus of Copan was still entire and
perfect ; this was a small circular plaza surrounded by pyramids, six or seven yards
high, built of very well-worked stone. At the foot of the pyramids were some life-sized
figures of men and women beautifully sculptured, and the colours with which they were
enamelled still well preserved ; but the most curious thing about these figures is that
they are clothed in the Castillian costume.
“Tn the centre of this plaza, above a flight of steps, is the place of sacrifice.
“The same historian says that at a short distance from the Circus is a doorway also
of stone, with columns representing the figures of men, like those in the Circus; these
figures are also clothed in Castillian costutae, with hose, frilled collar, sword, cap, and
short coat.
“Entering by this gateway one admires two fine stone pyramids, broad and high,
with a hammock slung between them, and in the hammock two human figures, one of
each sex, dressed like Indians. But the most surprising thing is that, although it is
of such great size, there is no joint or rivetting to be seen, and, notwithstanding its
being all of stone and of such enormous weight, it swings with a slight touch of the
hand.
‘A short distance from this hammock is to be seen the cave of Tibulca; this appears
to be a large temple of great size and capacity, dug out of the foot of a hill, adorned
with columns, with bases, capitals, and crowns, all perfectly adjusted by the principles
of architecture.
“Tn the sides of the temple are a great number of windows ornamented with skil-
fully worked stone. All of which things persuade and convince one that in the times
of the ancients there was communication and commerce between the inhabitants of the
Old World and the New.”
The Report of Colonel Juan Galindo, who was commissioned by the Government of
Guatemala to examine the ruins, appears never to have been published in full, and the
short notices sent by him to foreign scientific societies and periodicals do not add much
to our knowledge. The most important passage in his letter will be quoted hereafter
when the detailed description of the ruined structures is given.
The next description of Copan is from the pen of John L. Stephens, who, in the
year 1859, was despatched on a special mission from the President of the United States
to the Government of Central America. Finding it impossible to carry out his diplo-
matic mission, owing to the state of anarchy to which the country had been reduced
COPAN. 9
by continual revolution and civil war, Stephens devoted most of his time to the explo-
ration of the ruins of ancient Indian monuments and buildings, and on his return to
the United States published a most interesting and accurate account of his travels and
of the discoveries he had made.
Stephens was accompanied during his travels by Frederick Catherwood, an English
artist, whose beautiful pencil-drawings add immensely to the value of the book.
Almost all the sculptured monuments at Copan which were then to be seen above
ground are described and figured in Stephens’s work ; but, like all other visitors to the
ruins, he failed to understand the nature of the ruined structures, mistaking ruined
houses for fallen city walls, and seeing no trace of stone-roofed buildings which might
have served as dwelling-houses or temples.
In Bancroft’s ‘ Native Races of the Pacific States’ (vol. iv.) there is a description of
Copan principally founded on that of Stephens. his description is accompanied by a
full and interesting bibliographical note, but the MSS. and publications mentioned in
it add nothing to our knowledge of the Ruins.
Sronr HEAD FOUND LYING ON THE SOUTHERN SLOPES.
BIOL, CENTR.-AMER., Archeeol., December 1888. Cc
10 COPAN.
Sevare Arar (T) In THE VILLAGE oF Copan.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE.
My first visit to Copan was made in January 1881. I had landed at Yzabal about
a fortnight before, and was on my way to Guatemala city accompanied by a native
muleteer in charge of two pack-mules. My interest in American antiquities had
already been aroused by what I had seen on the road from Yzabal of the ruins at
Quirigua.
During this first visit to Copan, which lasted only three days, I was able, with the
COPAN. 11
aid of the plan and description given in Stephens’s ‘ Travels in Central America,’ to
see all the monuments then known to exist there.
My next visit was in January 1885, when I had already gained some experience in
investigating Indian ruins. I was accompanied by the three brothers Gorgonio, Carlos,
and Jose Domingo Lopes, two of whom had been with me during former expeditions.
Near the frontier of Honduras I was met by two gentlemen, Don Carlos Madrid and
Don Jorge Dowson, who had been sent by General Bogran, the President of Honduras,
to assist in my investigations. At the end of a few days I bade good bye to these
gentlemen, who returned to their homes, and then, leaving Gorgonio Lopes in charge
of the work of clearing away the undergrowth and cleaning the sculptured monu-
ments, I myself set out for Yzabal to meet Mr. Guintini, a skilled worker in plaster,
who had been my assistant during an expedition to the ruins of Quirigua in the year
1883.
Unfortunately the steamer in which Mr. Guintini sailed from England broke her
shaft, and had to go back to Cork for repairs, so that his arrival was considerably
delayed. I occupied the time with a visit to Chaal and Cajabon, and to the ruins of
“‘ Chacujal,” on a branch of the Rio Polochic. On returning to Yzabal 1 met Mr.
Guintini, and, after starting off the pack-mules with the heavy baggage and moulding-
materials, we set out ourselves and arrived at Copan on the 26th February, and
remained camped there until the beginning of June. The list of baggage was a long
one, for, in addition to supplies of food, we needed for our work the following
articles :—axes, picks, crowbars, and other tools, surveying and photographic apparatus,
photographic dry-plates and chemicals, lime, bales of moulding-paper, and four tons of
plaster of Paris. This plaster was shipped from England in tin-lined barrels, which
were opened at Yzabal, and the plaster was then packed in waterproof sacks, each
holding about 85 lbs. Two of these sacks was as much as a mule could carry,
The only “roads” in this part of the country are rough mule-tracks, in some places
almost impassable during the wet season; and although the journey from Yzabal to
Copan can be accomplished on a good riding-mule in three days, pack-mules need more
than double that time for the journey, even during fine weather.
The village of Copan stands at an elevation of 1700 feet above the sea-level, and during
the months of March, April, and May the climate is almost perfect. The heat is, of
course, considerable at midday, but the mornings, evenings, and nights are delightful.
There is a good supply of water, and as the country is partly cleared of forest, and
under cultivation, there is none of the cooped-up feeling which is experienced when
working in a small clearing in a tropical forest, as was the case at Quirigua. There
are very few mosquitoes, but unfortunately there is a still worse pest in the myriads of
ticks which, at the beginning of the dry season, swarm over every leaf and blade of grass.
Soon after we had set to work on my return from Chaal, war broke out between the
Republics of Guatemala and Honduras on the one side and San Salvador and Nicaragua
c2
12 COPAN.
on the other. This war seriously interfered with my work. A large body of troops
was camped near Esquipulas, a small town about thirty miles to the south-west, cele-
brated asa place of pilgrimage to the shrine of the black Christ *. All the mules in the
neighbourhood were taken up for war-transport, and there was much difficulty in getting
up the relays of stores and material I needed from Yzabal.
Nearly all my labourers were carried off to serve—very unwillingly—as soldiers, and
my work had to be carried on with such men as had passed the military age, and a few
waifs and strays who had managed to escape the vigilance of the government officers.
Every now and then a report came that troops were marching towards the village,
and my neighbours generally prepared to betake themselves to the bush with such few
valuables as they possessed, and leave the village in charge of two or three cripples and
some ancient ladies. It was only from predatory bands who might take advantage of
the disturbed state of affairs that I myself looked for any trouble; but nevertheless it
was uncomfortable, as the wildest rumours were flying about, and it was impossible to
get any trustworthy information. My friends in the city of Guatemala wrote to me,
most strongly urging me to beat a retreat to the coast, and added that it was quite
impossible, in the dangerous state of the roads, to send me the silver I needed to con-
tinue paying my workmen.
But I determined to hold on, as I had most thorough confidence in the assistants
whom I had brought with me, who were all old and tried companions. I did not,
however, expect the confidence and support which I received from the villagers, who
had looked upon me anything but favourably when first I came amongst them, and who
themselves bore a most unenviable reputation, which I am delighted to have an oppor-
tunity to refute; for, although very lazy and with a deep-rooted fear of soap and
water, I found them to be truthful, good tempered, and remarkably honest. When I
was reduced to my last dollar, not only did the men left in Copan and the neighbour-
hood volunteer to go on working for me, saying that they knew I would pay them when I
could receive the money to do so, but they actually scraped together the few dollars
which could be found in the village and lent them to me, so that I could pay off some
workmen who came from distant villages, and were obliged to return to their homes.
Finally, a battle was fought not far from Esquipulas, in which General Barrios, the
President of Guatemala (who had always been a good friend to me during my previous
expeditions) was killed, and the war came to an end and some of my labourers
returned.
There was, however, another matter which caused me anxiety and interfered seriously
with the supply of labourers, which was that during the whole of my stay at Copan, an
epidemic of small-pox raged in the neighbourhood. I am thankful to say that there
were no cases in Copan itself; but I rode through some villages only a few miles distant
* Views of Esquipulas and of the church containing the shrine of the black Christ are given on pages 1
and 4.
COPAN. 13
which were altogether deserted, but where the long rows of mounds and the hastily-
made crosses by the roadside showed the havoc which the disease had caused before the
survivors had fled. ‘The Alcalde of Comotan (the nearest Indian town) told me that
more than a hundred deaths were reported to him in a week.
Towards the end of May the heavy thunder-storms and increasing rain warned us to
prepare for our return journey. By this time the paper we had brought with us had
been tumed into large paper-moulds, which needed much care in handling, and the four
tons of plaster of Paris into fourteen hundred pieces of ‘‘ piece-moulding ” of various
shapes and sizes, with sharp corners and delicate edges, which required the most careful
protection against the rough jolting over the mountain-track. I had fortunately taken
the precaution of bringing with me from England several hundredweight of tow and a
large quantity of wrapping-paper, so that each piece of the plaster-moulds could be well
covered with tow and wrapped and tied up in a separate paper parcel. About sixteen
of these parcels could be packed into each of the two wooden boxes which a mule
carried. ‘The paper-moulds were sown up in waterproof “ American cloth” and packed
in open crates made of laths of the very light wood of a species of Hibiscus which grew
in the neighbourhood; and these unwieldy but not heavy packages were carried on the
backs of Indians safely to the port of Yzabal, where the moulds were repacked in strong
wooden cases.
It seemed to me that all danger of damage or destruction to the moulds might then
be considered to be at an end; but such was not the case. ‘The steamer in which I
sailed with my treasures from Livingstone broke her shaft whilst crossing the Gulf of
Mexico, about ninety miles distant from the north coast of Yucatan, and we drifted
about in a helpless condition for some days, until the currents carried us over the edge
of the great bank of Yucatan, where we dropped anchor about sixty miles from land in
forty-five fathoms of water. Fortunately the weather held fine, and at the end of a
week a small steamer hove in sight and came to our assistance, and carried the passengers
to New Orleans. On our arrival in port tugs were immediately despatched to succour
the disabled vessel; and as soon as she was safely towed into port I transferred all my
cases to a steamer leaving for England.
When only a few days out this steamer ran aground on one of the numerous reefs
near the coast of Florida, and her cargo had to be taken out of her; but, although my
personal baggage was damaged, the moulds fortunately escaped unharmed, and at last
arrived safely in England.
14 COPAN.
VIEW OF THE PRINCIPAL GROUP OF RUINED STRUCTURES FROM THE NORTH-WEST.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SITE.
The name “Copan” properly applies to the district or province in which the ruins
are found, but it is more frequently used to designate the small modern village which
has been built amidst the remains of the ancient Indian structures.
This village is situated just within the western boundary of the Republic of Honduras
(lat. 14° 50’ 30" N.), on the right bank of the Copan river, a stream which rises to the
north-east of the ruins, and, after flowing for about thirty miles in a westerly direction,
turns to the north and joins the Rio Motagua in the neighbourhood of Zacapa. ‘The
Motagua then continues its course in an east-north-easterly direction to the Gulf of
Honduras, passing close to the group of ruins at Quirigua.
COPAN. 15
The distance between Copan and Quirigua cannot be much more than twenty-five
miles. There is, however, at the present time no road over the rugged and thickly-
wooded hills lying between them, and the shortest practicable track takes a considerable
bend westward and strikes the Motaguaa little below Gualan.
The valley formed by the Copan river is about a mile and a half in width where the
principal ruins are found. ‘The stream enters this valley from the north-east, flowing
between hills which open out gradually, and after running about a mile in a south-
westerly direction, near to the southern line of hills, it turns for a short distance to the
west and touches the principal group of ruins, then bends sharply to the south, and,
after flowing for about half a mile in that direction, turns again to the west and flows
on along the south side of the plain.
The tops of the hills on each side of the valley are thinly covered with pine-trees,
but the lower slopes are clothed with an almost impenetrable thicket of low trees and
shrubs.
A WSS
te AWS
Pee creel qu (
Pe, \\ ( Pink x Vi aA Vi \ ;
iidliagt pee 8 eee
2 and StoneHouses.
Plain covered with
remains of Stone Houses.
<——_—_ 7
aw
Ipiysbee
'
——
pagan
\ i NG My Vy HAN wal rome Nh ‘
Luge a
S
Rae
OF THE SITE OF
RUINS at COPAN.
The modern village stands on part of the site of the ancient pueblo, about three-
quarters of a mile to the west of the principal group of ruined edifices, and is merely a
collection of a dozen miserable shanties inhabited by half-castes. The clearings con-
tinually made by these people for their tobacco and maize plantations have kept much
of the plain free from large timber-trees, and for a distance of about three miles along
the valley (wherever the more recent clearings enable one to examine the ground) raised
16 COPAN.
foundations and mounds of stones can be seen, evidence of the considerable population
which must have at one time inhabited the plain, and similar remains can be found in
many of the smaller valleys in the neighbourhood.
The small village of Cachapa, which is situated about seven miles up the river-valley
to the north-east, also stands on the site of old buildings, and several pieces of stone
with remains of hieroglyphic writing on them are still to be seen lying amongst the
rubbish on the plaza. Down stream, about two and a half miles west of the village of
Copan, at the top of a high hill commanding a magnificent view of the valley, there are
also to be seen remains of some stone foundations, and, lying amongst them, a fallen
and broken monolith (originally standing about 12 feet high above ground), carved all
over with a hieroglyphic inscription, now much worn and very indistinct.
The sketch-map shows a high pyramidal foundation [No. 29], close to the houses
of the modern village of Copan, at the top of which was found a flat slab of
stone (S), about two feet square, with a hieroglyphic inscription on its sides. I was
not able to ascertain if any stone building had ever stood on this foundation. There is
a broken and defaced monolith lying in the scrub about 50 yards to the west of the
village, and two “altars” (T & U) stand on the village green, and some other fragments
of broken and defaced carved monuments were found from time to time in the neigh-
bouring thickets.
The plain between the stream that runs on the east side of the village and the
principal ruined edifices is covered with the remains of groups of houses generally
arranged round a courtyard. Only a few of the higher foundations which may have
supported temples are marked on the map. There is one broken monolith lying in
the scrub to the north of the track to Cachapa.
Panz cr THE Ack OF A STEP FroM THE HrgRoeiyrwic Srarrway. (No. 27, Plate I.)
COPAN, 17
Vure Goupil & Imp Boussod Valadon &C'
P' P.
Tur Jacua Srarrway (No. 24, Pruare I.), PARTLY RESTORED.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES.
At the commencement of the survey the whole area comprised in the plan (Plate 1.)
was covered with a dense growth of trees and shrubs, which had to be cleared away
and burnt; but the level plazas, having been used as planting-ground, were free from
large timber-trees. The careless burning of felled timber and shrubs by the villagers
when forming their plantations has proved most disastrous to the sculpture in the
plazas ; almost all has been seriously damaged by fire and some entirely destroyed.
On the slopes and raised terraces, which could not be planted with maize, there is
still a thick growth of forest-trees, which, except when absolutely necessary, I did not
remove.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., December 1888. d
18 COPAN.
The lines on the plan are more regular than those presented to the eye at the ruins,
as they have been laid down without showing the masses of fallen stones and débris.
This, however, was not done by guesswork, but by moving the displaced stones at
intervals and thus ascertaining the original limits of the slopes and stairways.
The mass of terraces and pyramidal foundations is built up of a rubble of rough
blocks of stone and mud, bound together, in the course of erection, with internal
upright walls of faced stone and horizontal layers of cement. The outer surfaces were
always covered with a casing of well-worked stone, in many parts elaborately sculptured,
and the whole was probably faced with a coating of plaster ornamentally coloured, of
which some traces can still be found.
PhotoSravure-Goupil & Imp Boussod Valad
TreMPLE AT TIKAL, PARTLY RESTORED,
The sections (Plate II.) give some idea of the mass of masonry which has been raised
from the plain. On the pyramidal foundations the worked stone casing is usually
COPAN. 19
arranged in great steps, a single step measuring in some instances as much as 8 feet in
breadth and height. ‘The heavy rains and the growth of the roots of trees and shrubs
have reduced these structures to rough-looking mounds of tumbled blocks of stone and
rubbish, square or oblong at the base, more or less rounded at the corners, and rising
almost to a point or flat ridge at the top. Some of the buildings which stood on these
foundations were two storeys high, and all, probably, had lofty superstructures (such
as can still be seen at Tikal, and at the ruins of Menché on the banks of the Rio
Usumacinta). The destruction of these superstructures accounts for the present shape
of the mounds—the falling masonry has knocked off the salient angles of the large
steps, and filled up the receding angles with broken fragments, and the whole mass has
been subsequently bound together by the roots of trees. So complete is the ruin of the
temples and houses that in no single instance could any portion of the walls of these
buildings be seen without digging through the fallen masonry and rubbish to some
considerable depth.
The system of roofing here used (as in almost all ancient American buildings) was
what may be called the horizontal arch. The
idea that stone-roofed houses had been raised on
these foundations received confirmation when
faced stones cut diagonally at one end were
found amongst the débris at the bottom of the
slopes. It seemed certain that they must have
been used in the construction of roofs. I also
noticed that many of the mounds had slight
depressions on the top ridge, either one in the
centre or two or more at regular intervals. It
occurred to me that these depressions might
mark the position of doorways, and this was
found to be the case, and proved to be a most
useful guide when excavations were commenced.
Round three sides of the Great Plaza (Plate
IV.)* the steps rising to the terraces are in a
fairly good state of preservation. The large
square mound on the first terrace to the west
[No. 1]} has a distinct flight of steps, shown in the plan. ‘The top is flat and almost
square, and there is no evidence that any stone building had ever been raised on it.
Some previous visitor had dug into the foundation, but apparently discovered nothing
of interest. A broken monolith (E) lies in front of this mound. The slopes and mound
which rise still higher to the west of this are too much destroyed to be of any interest.
® The numeral in the sign Cah on the map and plans refers to the photographs, the direction of the
extended arms giving the angle comprised in the view.
+ Numbers in square brackets refer to the red numerals on the large plan, Plate I.
20 COPAN.
On the terrace to the north of the Great Plaza is another square mound [ No. 2], which,
as in the case of the last described, shows no trace of any stone building having been
raised on it. Immediately to the west of this mound are the remains of a long single-
chambered house. The group of buildings on the terrace to the east of the plaza show
unmistakable signs of having been houses. The high foundation [No. 3] at the east
end of this group would probably repay excavation ; the stairway on the south side of
it can be clearly made out, and there are some roofing-stones lying at the foot of the
slopes.
The mound [No. 4] standing by itself, in the centre of the Plaza, is one of considerable
interest ; the outer casing of masonry is much broken up and has almost entirely dis-
appeared, but the steps by which it was ascended are still traceable on the east side.
The top rises almost to a point, and there is no sign of any building ever having stood
on it. An excavation was made into the centre of this mound from the top, opening
towards the south side. The upper part was composed of rough unworked blocks of
stone and mud, with occasional layers of cement and sand; the lower two thirds of
stone and mud only. The excavation was then continued below the level of the plain
through about twelve feet of hard-rammed earth, free from stones, below which tlie
natural soil appeared to have been undisturbed. In the centre of the mound, about
six feet from the top, an earthern pot (Plate XXI.. a) was found containing a bead-
shaped piece of greenstone, pierced, diameter two and three quarter inches (0), the jade
whorl of a spindle (¢), the remains of a necklace of nine jade beads (d), four pearls (e),
some small rough figures and other ornaments cut out of pearl oyster-shell (jf), and
other irregular pieces of roughly carved pearl-shell (g). At the bottom of the pot
was some red powder (which proved to be finely ground cinnabar), and several ounces
of quicksilver. Eighteen inches above this pot some traces of bone were found mixed
with sand. At the level of the ground, more traces of bones were found mixed with
red cinnabar powder and sand, and one large pierced bead-shaped stone, diameter three
inches (fh). About eight to nine feet below the level of the plain, a skeleton of a
jaguar was found lying under a layer of charcoal. I was able to preserve some of the
teeth and some part of the jaw as well as a few small pieces of the other bones by
dropping them into glue. The teeth and part of the skeleton had been painted red.
About 100 yards almost directly to the south of this mound I shortly afterwards
opened another very much smaller and much more ruined mound [No. 5], and, under
a thick layer of cement at the level of the ground, found a few small fragments of
human bones, two small stone axes, and portions of another jaguar’s skeleton, and some
dog’s teeth, showing that such an interment of animals was not a matter of chance.
On the west side of the southern portion of the Plaza is a long mound [| No. 6] which
proved to be the remains of two long single-chambered houses, one having four and the
other three doorways opening towards the Plaza. Excavations laid bare portions of
the walls of the chambers and the commencement of the horizontal arch of the roof.
COPAN. 21
The width of these chambers did not exceed seven feet. The square mound [No.7] to
the south of these houses does not appear to have supported any stone building, but
there are traces of a low wall having enclosed the level space at the top. Near this
wall were found some stones, shaped like skulls, and a stone serpent’s head. Close to
this mound are the remains of two small houses, and another square mound [No. 8]
the casing of which is almost entirely destroyed.
On the plain to the west are numerous foundations of small houses, but only those
lying nearest to the principal structures are shown on the plan.
On the east side of the Plaza is a detached square mound [No. 9] which formed the
foundation of a house or temple, and beyond it is another mound [No. 10] of the same
character, from which a low terrace runs out towards the north and then turns at right
angles to the west. The main group of terraces and buildings to the south is covered
with a forest-growth well shown in Plate V.
To the south of the Great Plaza there rises a broad stairway, which as it ascends the
slope divides into three separate flights of steps, each narrowing towards the top
(Plate VI.,a). The space between the steps appeared to have been highly ornamented,
and the carving (Plate IX., 6) had probably fallen from that position. The steps on the
right and left lead to level terraces, and the centre flight must have led to the temple
[No. 11] which stood at a still greater elevation. This building presented the
appearance of a formless heap of stones, out of which a huge ceiba tree was growing
(Plate VI.,6). Some portions of the chambers, which are shown in the accompanying
Plan, were excavated. The porches on each side probably extended some distance
Pian oF No. 11.
4 in=25ft
beyond the line of the walls of the building. The roof and superstructure had entirely
disappeared, but the inner wall was in places perfect up to the spring of the vault.
A step about eighteen inches high and eighteen feet long (A to B, see Plan), formed
of two blocks of stone, projected in front of the inner doorway; the face of this step is
ornamented with a number of figures seated cross-legged and covered with elaborate
breastplates and other ornaments in sharp and well-preserved carving (Plate VIT., a, and
22 COPAN.
Plate VIII.). A carved ornament (Plate VII., a) made up of several stones let into the
wall, rises from this step on each side of the doorway and reaches to the top of the
wall. This carving is, I believe, meant to represent a huge serpent’s head without a
lower jaw; but the design is executed in a conventional form, and its meaning can only
be made out by comparison with many other sculptures of a similar kind.
The effect of this ornament must have been considerably marred by the continuation
of the wall of the passage to the face of the step at E.
Above this curious ornament, and extending to a distance of seven feet on each side
of the doorway (and probably continued over the doorway itself, although all trace of
it has disappeared), ran an elaborate cornice, ornamented with seated human figures
and hieroglyphs carved in medium relief (Plate VII., 4 and c). The height of the wall
from the floor to the cornice is about nine feet. Ornaments similar to the serpent’s
head already mentioned occur where a step descends into the southern porch at C to D;
but in this case the face of the step is ornamented with a row of teeth, and it forms an
under jaw common to the serpent’s head on each side. Unfortunately no copy of this
design could be made, as the carved stones comprising it were so much broken and
displaced by the pressure from above and the growth of the roots of trees that they
fell to pieces as the excavation proceeded.
The interior walls of both the outer porches were ornamented with hieroglyphic and
other carvings; but here also the stones were so much worn and displaced by the roots
of trees that nothing could be preserved or copied.
The walls of the house are built of blocks of stone averaging in measurement 1 foot
xX 1 foot x 6 inches.
The wall-surfaces retained traces of a coating of plaster which had probably been
ornamentally coloured, and the floor was covered with several layers of cement.
On the south side of the temple the slope from the porch down to the level of an
inner court, which may be called the Western Court, is so much broken up by roots of
trees, and so thickly covered with fallen stones, that no trace of a stairway can be made
out, although in all probability one formerly existed.
There is a distinct flight of steps [No. 12] from the terrace on the west of the temple
leading down to the Western Court, the floor of which is about 30 feet above the level
of the Great Plaza to the north.
An irregular square terrace [No. 13] projects into this court on the west side, and
the remains of three stone houses overlook the downward slope to the west, and form
the boundary of the court in that direction.
Standing in this court are a tall carved monolith (P) and a square stone altar (Q)
which will be hereafter figured and described, and scattered around are numerous pieces
of broken sculptured stones, which no doubt formed part of the exterior ornaments of
the temples or of the slopes of the high foundations on which they stood.
COPAN. 23
The position of these fragments is shown in the portion of the general plan (Plate I.)
repeated below.
a, is a flat slab, now much broken, measuring 4 feet 7 inches X 3 feet 8 inches
x1 foot; there are grooves cut in the edges, as if it had been fitted into a
wall. On the surface is a carving, in medium relief, of a human figure sitting
with legs crossed and clutching in its left hand an ornament, in which two
small animals’ heads can be indistinctly made out, and holding it to its breast,
whilst in the right hand is held an object similar to that shown in the hands
of most of the figures in Plate VIII.
The figure is seated above two intertwined plumed serpents.
24 COPAN.
b, is the carving represented on Plate IX.,a@; the slab is made up of four pieces.
¢ and d, are somewhat similar slabs much broken and worn; the figures in each
have offerings in their hands similar to that shown on Plate IX., a.
e, is a large alligator’s head measuring roughly 2 feet each way: the long tenon
with which this carving had been fixed into the masonry is still attached
to it.
f, isa human foot 2 feet long and 10 inches broad.
g, is a carved stone 4 feet in length, to which I am unable to attach any meaning.
h, is a broken column 4 feet high 1 foot 10 inches in diameter; it is broken in
half, and has some indistinct carving on it.
i and J, are two flat stone slabs, each about the same size, 7 feet 6 inches x 4 feet
6 inches X 1 foot; both are broken, one has indistinct remains of hieroglyphic
carving on the narrow sides and ends. Excavations have been made beneath
each of these slabs at some former time.
k, is an oblong stone rather larger at the top than at the bottom, measuring 4 feet
in length, 2 feet in height, and 2 feet 5 inches in breadth.
i, is a circular stone 2 feet 4 inches in diameter, 1 foot 6 inches in height, pierced
through the centre by a hole 7 inches in diameter; it shows no trace of
carving.
mand n, are similar stones, but they are not pierced.
o and p, are two stones, each 3 feet 5 inches long, rudely carved in the shape
of alligators’ heads; they project from the corners of a heap of stones,
the remains of some structure, and they now probably lie in their original
position.
In addition to these carved stones described above there are several other fragments
of sculpture, including one headless bust, one stone incense-burner in the shape of a
erotesque head, and several stones carved into the shape of skulls.
At the south end of the Western Court is a detached mound [ No. 14] almost flat at the
top. On digging into the north side of it a wall with a projecting coping was met with,
with a shelf 1 foot 9 inches wide above it, surmounted by another wall 5 feet 6 inches high,
reaching to the small square terrace on the top of the mound. ‘This terrace is reached
by a stairway on the east side, and it does not appear to have supported any building ;
but along its southern edge there lies a heap of stones, not large enough to be the
COPAN. 25
remains of a house, but possibly marking the site of some ornamental wall or row of seats.
Where the walls
first mentioned
are broken away
it can be seen
that they are
built of only one
layer of faced
stone backed up
with rubble.
On the east side of the Western Court is a stairway [No. 15] with twenty steps
leading to a raised terrace, on which stand the remains of several small houses; the
steps are built of large blocks of stone averaging in measurement 6 feet x 1 foot 3 inches
x1 foot 5 inches. To the south of this stairway rises the lofty pyramidal foundation
of a small temple [No. 16].
The ascent to this temple from the Western Court is by a double stairway joining near
the top. The space between the two flights of steps is built up with sculptured stones,
the chief ornament being rows of what appear to be death’s-heads*. The step-like casing
of masonry on this side is almost entirely hidden by the masses of stone and rubbish
fallen from above. ‘The upper part of this hill had the appearance of a rounded heap
of broken blocks of stone bound together by the roots of trees, and there seemed at first
sight to be but little hope of finding traces of a temple or any other building. How-
ever, by digging and clearing with care, a small chamber was laid bare on the west side
(see Plan) with portions of the walls entire to the
height of 6 feet, and on the north side a stairway Pian or No. 16.
which must have led to an upper chamber, now alto-
8
ECTION THROUGH No. 14 sHoWING LINE OF EXCAVATION (SHADED PORTION).
gether destroyed. In clearing the lower chamber
(Plate X., a) a cross-legged headless figure was found
which had been thrown down from the raised bench
at the east end, also a stone incense-burner which
probably stood in front of it, and the remains of two
pieces of rough pottery (Plate XXII., a, 6), which
were probably used for burning offerings of incense. ‘Two of the ornaments which It
have called serpents’-heads were built into the wall above the raised bench, and a
number of small human and grotesque heads formed the ornaments of a cornice round
the wall about 7 feet above the cement floor. A view of this foundation from the
north-east is given on Plate X., d.
All traces of the front wall and doorway have been lost.
Descending the steps again into the Western Court, and turning to the left, there is
* Stephens notes that these death’s-heads are more like the skulls of monkeys than of men.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., December 1888. é
26 COPAN.
a narrow opening (~) between the south side of the foundation of the building last
described and a row of much ruined houses. ‘To the south of this line of houses two
slopes, with a broad terrace between, descend to the level of the plain; beyond this
again are numerous remains of smaller buildings, hidden in the thick scrub, which do
not need especial notice.
Towards the east end of the space between the row of ruined houses and the
pyramidal foundation a second narrow opening (~) gives access to a passage leading to
an inner court, which may be called the Eastern Court. On the east side of this passage
is a terrace [No. 17], which is reached by a flight of steps in the centre of the slope, and
was found to be strewn with broken pieces of sculptured stone. At the south end of the
terrace is a raised foundation [No. 18] which once supported a stone-roofed structure.
At the east side a few steps lead up to the broken masonry at the top of the river-wall.
‘This line of tumbled stones [No. 19] I examined with great care, and was successful in
making out that it was the remains of a row of houses which had extended nearly the
whole length of the terrace, the greater part of which had fallen away into the river
below. At the north end of this row of houses there stands, facing the Eastern Court,
another raised foundation [No. 20] which supported the most curious building the
excavations brought to light—no doubt the same building which Palacio describes as a
tower. Such a mass of stone had fallen down into the court below that the stone slope
and steps leading up to the building were completely hidden. On the side towards the
river traces of a wall were found almost overhanging the cliff, which here measures
107 feet in height from the level of the river. It is necessary to turn to the detail
Plan and Section to form an idea of this curious building.
Puan AND Section oF No. 20.
ie
A 4A aT]
Cit ah
bm bd >
‘The central doorway is approached from the Eastern Court by a flight of steps; on
each side of the doorway a platform or terrace 9 feet wide runs in front of the building ;
7 or 8 feet inside the doorway another flight of steps commences and runs through to the
back wall of the building, rising about 14 feet. At the distance of 4 feet 9 inches from
the back wall other steps turn to the north, and lead up to a narrow landing which gives
COPAN. OT
access to what seems to have been an upper chamber (A); only a small portion of the
surface of the wall and the cement of the floor of this chamber can now be traced.
The stairways were covered by parallel laid stone vaults—the spring of the vault is seen
in the Section and Plate XI.,@. The most curious feature of this building is the
existence of chambers which have been purposely blocked up before the ruin commenced.
These are shaded in the Plan and Section. I cleared out the rough blocks of stone and
earth which filled up the lower chamber on the south side of the steps and found the
walls and cement floor almost perfect. The front wall was pierced 3 feet above the floor
by two narrow slits 6 inches wide, which appeared to extend to the top of the wall,
in which were found some fragments of rough pottery. It did not appear as if this
chamber had ever been roofed in. I did not remove the stones at the opening towards
the stairway, as these had been built up into a faced wall, and still supported some of
the roof-stones of the ruined vault over the steps. Iu the same way the steps leading
to the upper chamber (D) had been blocked up and the faced wall used as a support
for the vaulting. These more recently built walls and the spring of the vaults are
lightly shaded in the section. The only suggestion I can offer in explanation of this
state of things is that the builders were not satisfied with the stability of the parallel-
laid vaulting over such a large space, and had sacrificed the chambers in order to
strengthen the roof over the stairway.
Projecting from the wall on each side of the steps, in the position marked xX in the
plan, were two grotesquely carved heads, which probably supported a rope from which
a curtain was suspended. A photograph of the best preserved of these heads is given
on Plate XI., 6.
A large mass of broken sculptured stones lying near to or buried in the rubbish
surrounding this building shows how elaborate its exterior ornamentation must have
been. Amongst these remains are portions of a great human figure, which was
probably seated cross-legged over the doorway; the head of this figure is shown in
late Oxelese3
Facing the north end of this building is another raised foundation [No. 21], which
must also have supported a stone-roofed structure. ‘The flight of steps leading up from
the south side to the doorway in the centre can still be seen. Unfortunately, I had not
sufficient time to excavate and examine this building.
To the west of this foundation, on the north side of the Kastern Court, is another
building [No. 22], of which a Plan is given on the next page. A very well-laid flight
of steps, formed of large blocks of stone, leads to a platform in front of the centre
doorway. This platform runs along the front of the building, and, at each end of
the temple, is carried out at right angles as far as the line of the commencement
of the steps. Two large grotesque faces and some handsome carved wing-stones extend
across this platform to the head of the steps on either side of the doorway. The door-
way itself is 9 feet wide and was probably covered with a vaulted roof. In front of the
e2
ss vn Aa
[BUREAU oF
AMERICAN ETHNOL@GY:
| LIBRARY
28 COPAN.
doorway leading to the inner chamber is a step (A—B) 2 feet high and 15 feet long,
carved onits face with hieroglyphs and skulls (Plate XVI.). At each end of this step
is a human figure seated on
a huge skull (Plates XIL., Puan or No, 22.
XIII, XIV., and XV.), sup- ee ae
porting in its hand the head
of a dragon, whose body is
turned upwards and is lost
amongst the scroll-work and
figures of a cornice which runs
over the doorway. About 4
feet above the floor in each /
of the two positions marked on
xX a stone in the masonry of
the wall is pierced by a hole
through which a rope could be passed, and holes may also be noticed above the
hieroglyphs on the step, which were probably needed for the support of curtains. How
the roof of the passage between one chamber and
the other was supported is a mystery. It was
covered by anumber of blocks of stone, and not by
a single stone slab; and yet these blocks are square
at their edges, and could not have formed part of
a true nor of a parallel laid arch. Possibly wooden
jambs and architraves supported these blocks of
stone; but if so, all trace of them has disappeared.
Plate XII. is a sketch of this doorway, most care-
fully restored, from photographs and measurements taken during the progress of the
excavation (Plate XIII., a), as well as after the excavation was finished. There
tan
lines ee en
are in this design good examples of two marked characteristics of American sculpture,
namely, the inability of the artist to leave plain surfaces alone, and the love of intro-
ducing grotesque faces, or scroll-work derived from them, into the ornamentation of
COPAN. 29
details. The examples in this design are, turning the backs of the seated figures into
huge grotesque faces and ornamenting the tongue of the dragon to the west of the
doorway with scrolls derived from the eye, nostrils, and teeth, which are peculiarly
characteristic of the frequently-occurring dragon or serpent. This last may at first sight
appear to be a fanciful suggestion, but it will be clearly appreciated when hereafter
the serpent symbol is more fully examined and described.
The floor and walls of the outer chamber, as well as the surface of the steps and
terrace outside the house, bear traces of a coating of several layers of plaster, each layer
differently coloured, showing that the plaster had been frequently renewed, and this
plaster coating appears also to have extended over the carved surface.
The inner chamber is without ornament. Two stone incense-burners shaped into
erotesque heads and some patches of charcoal were found above the cement floor. The
back wall of the house was only just traceable. The outer surface of the front wall
facing the Eastern Court had almost disappeared; but that it must once have been
elaborately ornamented is proved by the number of headless busts and other fragments
of sculptured stone lying near it in all directions.
On the outside wall of the building at the south-west corner are the remains of
a huge grotesque face made up of several stones (Plate XVII.,¢), much the same in
design as the faces which form the principal decoration of some of the buildings in
Yucatan. However, the trunk-like nose, which has there so greatly exercised the
speculative powers of travellers, if it existed here, cannot now be traced. I opened a
passage (+) about 4 feet wide between the west end of this house and another much
ruined building, and on this west wall I was able to see some of the ornament, if not
exactly in position at least giving evidence whence it had fallen.
Three female figures, standing out in full relief from the waist upwards (Plate XVIL.,
a and 6), with the left arm held across the body and the right hand extended in front,
palm outwards, as if about to clap hands when in the act of singing, had been ranged
along the upper part of this wall; and broken pieces of similar figures, found in other
places, lead me to suppose that this decoration was continued all round the temple.
Almost in the centre of the Eastern Court I turned over a large flat slab of
stone which bore traces of sculpture on the upper surface, and dug beneath it to
the depth of 12 feet without finding anything worth notice. Many other fragments
of sculptured stone are lying in this court, some of which are shown on Plate XIX.
On the west side of the court are two flights of steps; those at the south-west corner
[No. 23] are quite plain, but the centre stairway [No. 24] is ornamented on each side
with large figures of rampant jaguars (Plate XVIII., 6 and c) carved out of several
blocks of stone, which are built into the slope; and at the top of the stairway is a
huge human head issuing from the jaws of an animal (Plate XVIII., a). These
carvings are marked red in Plate I.
On the level terrace above this stairway is an oblong space [ No. 25] marked out by a
border of stones, but there is no indication of any building having stood on it. Turning
30 COPAN.
to the north along this terrace, and leaving the ruins of some small houses on the right,
there remains now to be described the high foundation [No, 26] which projects
furthest in this direction. A few steps, shown on the plan, lead from the terrace to
the top of the foundation. Here I commenced to dig, in hope of finding at least
portions of the walls of a building, but met with no success. That a building must once
have stood here is almost certain, as several roof-stones were found lying on the slopes.
This foundation was ascended from the south-eastern corner of the Great Plaza by a broad
stairway [No. 27], and although many of the stones forming the steps are now displaced,
and the carving much worn, yet enough is still left to show the excellence both of the
design and workmanship. Each step was carved along its face with a line of hiero-
elyphs*, and the stonework at the edge of the stairway was covered with elaborate and
curious ornament. This stairway could be traced up the slope for a distance of 45 feet.
I again commenced to dig just above the spot where the top step appeared to have
rested, and, after digging in at that level for 17 feet, through closely packed large
rough blocks of stone and earth, came to a perpendicular wall. It was necessary to
dig down some distance to reach the bottom of this wall, which was found to rest on a
SCALE OF FEET
cement floor which ran outwards towards the steps. The wall is 7 feet high and without
any coping or cornice, but it is covered at the top with a layer of cement 6 inches
thick, which runs back for 6 feet, and forms a floor for another wall 7 feet high; this
wall, again, has a similar cement platform at the top, which apparently runs in for
12 feet to meet another wall 10 feet high; above this nothing at all oould be made
* See illustrations on pages 16 and 32.
COPAN. 31
out. I broke through one of the walls and removed a few of the faced stones, and
found nothing but closely-packed rubble behind it. My impression is that these walls
were built up merely to give strength to the foundation and guard against landslips,
and not to enclose any central chamber.
It is probably this method of building up walls of faced stone inside the foundations
which has led to the belief that what has been called the great river-wall was the
original wall of this group of buildings, and was possibly intended for defence. The
destructive force of the river, which has washed away so much of the foundations on
the east side, has been somewhat checked on meeting these faced walls, and at the
present time the exposed surface of the cliff (Plate XX. and Plate III., 6), if I may so
call it, shows several patches of faced stone wall; one of them, nearly halfway up the
cliff from the level of the river, is about 60 to 70 feet in length and over 10 feet in
height. Careful examination shows that the edges of these patches pass in some places
under portions of the rubble of stone and mud of which all these foundations and
raised terraces are built up.
Palacio in his description mentions the ‘ two caves or passages’ the openings of which
can be seen on the face of the river-wall, and which have given to the ruins the name
of ‘ Las Ventanas,’ or ‘the Windows.’ The position of one of these passages is marked
on the plan with a dotted red line [28-28]. ‘The floor of the passage is level, and the
interior is faced with stone, and is just large enough for a man to crawl through. The
top of the passage is a little below the level of the court; it was closed on the land
side, and I think not intended again to be opened. A deep pit was dug here* by
Colonel Galindo f, shown in the plan, which now gives access to the passage.
A. few feet from the end of this passage, but at a greater depth below the level of
the court, is the subterranean vault outlined in red in the plan, which was broken into
by Colonel Galindo. The vault and passage do not seem to have had any connection
with one another. The following is Galindo’s description of his discovery :—
“Through a gallery scarcely 4 feet high and 2} feet broad { one can crawl from
this square through a more elevated part of the temple overhanging the river, and have
from the face of the precipice an interesting view. Among many excavations, I made
one at the point where this gallery comes out into the square. I first opened into the
entrance of the gallery itself, and digging lower down I broke into a sepulchral vault
whose floor is 12 feet below the level of the square. It is more than 6 feet high, and
10 feet long, and 5} feet broad, and lies due north and south, according to the compass.
* Stephens was wrong in saying this pit is faced with stone.
+ Letter (dated Copan, 19th June, 1834) from Colonel Juan Galindo to the editor of the ‘ Literary Gazette ’
of London, printed in ‘Literary Gazette’ for 1835, pp. 456, 457. A similar letter printed in the ‘ Transac-
tions of American Antiq. Society,’ vol. vi. pp. 545-550.
+ Stephens says 1 foot 11 inches at the bottom and 1 foot at the top, and in this
form :—
I unfortunately overlooked the measurement, but think Stephens nearer the mark,
as there is only just room to crawl through, and it is impossible to turn round in it.
52 COPAN.
It has two niches on each side, and both these and the floor of the vault were full of
red earthenware dishes and pots. I found more than fifty, many of them full of human
bones packed in lime; also several sharp-edged and pointed knives of chaya (a brittle
stone called ztzt/i* by the Mexicans), and a small head, apparently resembling death,
its eyes being nearly closed and its lower features distorted. ‘The back of the head is
symmetrically perforated by holes; the whole is of most exquisite workmanship, and
cut out or cast from a fine greenstone, as are also two heads I found in the vault,
with quantities of oyster- and periwinkle-shells brought from the sea-shore in fulfilment
of some superstition. ‘There were also stalactites taken from some caves. All the
bottom of the vault was strewn with fragments of bones, and underneath these a
coat of lime on a solid floor.” :
There is another similar passage lower down the cliff and further to the north. We
made a ladder and succeeded in entering this passage and crawling to the further end,
which we found closed with a stone wall. It is about the same length as the first
passage described.
There are two other passages of the same kind near the top of the cliff which I was
not able to get at, and they looked too small to crawl into. At some former time an
excavation had been made to reach them from above, but the stones had fallen in
again, and it did not seem as if any chamber was discovered.
In two of the detached mounds, one on the south and one on the north side of the
principal structures, I found small vaults which had probably been used for burial
purposes, but was not fortunate enough to come upon any which had not previously
been opened. At the foot of one of the stone monoliths (H) in the Great Plaza we
dug up a number of stone beads and other objects (Plate XXII., d), which were lying
only a few inches underground; and a small stone ornament with a human face
carved on it (e), something like the one found by Colonel Galindo, and several frag-
ments of similar ornaments (¢ and f'). Single stone beads and flakes and chips of
obsidian were from time to time picked up during the excavations.
* IJtztlixobsidian.
Parr oF THF Face oF 4 Step From THE Hisroeiypuic Stairway. (No. 27, Prats I.)
(Se)
(30)
COPAN.
Srorp Mask From Mexico, now rv THz Bririsn Musrvum.
DESCRIPTION OF STELA AND ALTARS.
The monolithic monuments at Copan are cut from a somewhat decomposed trachyte
rock ; for convenience of description they may be divided into Stel and Altars.
On the front of each Stela, and in some cases on both front and back, is a representation
of an elaborately decorated human figure. On the back (when it is not occupied by a
figure), and in some instances on both back and sides, is a hieroglyphic inscription.
‘The design is sometimes completed by the addition of scroll-work derived from the form
of the feathered serpent to which is added a number of small human and grotesque figures.
The ornamentation throughout the sculptures is no doubt to a great extent symbo-
lical, and in the decoration of the Stele more attention appears to have been given to
the display of such ornamentation than to securing correct proportion in the represen-
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., November 1890. WP
34 COPAN.
tation of the principal figure; but that the errors in proportion did not arise from the
want of knowledge is clearly shown by the far superior treatment of some of the smaller
figures on the same monuments.
Almost the whole of the ornamental carving decorating the Stele at Copan is derived
from the following subjects:—The feathered serpent, grotesque human and animal
figures and masks, feathers and feather-work, fish, bands and plaits made of some
pliable material such as leather or bark-cloth, and loops and ties made from a softer
material. Geometrical patterns, except such as are formed by the folds and plaits
of a material with straight parallel edges, are not to be found (unless circles and
dots can be so considered). Foliations and other vegetable forms are (with possibly
one exception) entirely absent from the designs.
The dress and ornaments of the human figures represented on the Stele, although
affording infinite variety in detail, are not only similar in general design on all the monu-
ments at Copan, but on all monuments of the same class throughout Central America.
Until the inscriptions are deciphered there is little to help us in determining
whether the figures on the Stel are intended to be portraits of chieftains or priests in
ceremonial costume, or whether they are fanciful representations of heroes or deities.
The strong individuality of many of the figures gives force to the former view; but, on
the other hand, there are two of the figures which cannot be included in the category
of monumental portraits, as their faces are covered by grotesque masks. The great
exaggeration of the personal adornments would be more likely to occur in imaginative
figures than in portraits; but a possible explanation of these exaggerations may be
learned from some of the sculptures themselves. The carving ona wooden lintel taken
from a temple at Tikal (part of which is figured on Plate XXIII.) represents a central
human figure standing under the arched body of a great feathered serpent, on a sort of
stepped platform which rests on a framework of poles. This suggests the probability
that images made from some lighter material than stone may have been kept in the
temples, and used on the occasion of religious processions. And it may be that the
exaggerated adornments of the figures on the Stele were copied from the elaborate
ornaments with which in all countries and in all ages it has been customary to adorn
such processional figures.
There is not at Copan any certain evidence of the use of textile fabrics, but it is
probable that the waist-cloths and turban-like head-dresses of some of the figures
were made from woven material.
Considerable difficulty is met with in attempting to trace the development of the
designs used in the ornamentation: firstly, because, with the exception of feathers and
the skins of jaguars, we are not certain of the kind of material from which the ornaments
and dress were originally made, and can form no idea of how far the design may
have been iniluenced by the nature of the material worked in; and, secondly, because
the original designs may have been considerably modified when transferred to stone
by workmen who had probably no better tools than chips and flakes of obsidian.
COPAN., ; 30
Of all the subjects from which decorative design is derived, the feathered serpent is by
far the most important, and before commencing a detailed description of the monuments
it is thought advisable to give a few examples (Plates XXIII. and XXIV.) of the many
varieties of ornament derived from the serpent’s head and the scroll-work attached to it.
There are, so far as I have observed, no really natural representations of a serpent
to be found in the Central-American sculptures. Serpent-worship had probably long
antedated the development of Central-American art into the condition in which any
examples of it remain to us, and the serpents of the sculptures have already passed
through a stage of exaggeration and conventionalism. Small heads of snakes drawn
naturally may, however, be seen throughout the period of the greatest exaggeration
attached as ornaments to the ends of strings or narrow bands, such as the thongs of a
sandal, or the bands of the breastplates in Plate VIII. ; but in this particular case the
rattles of the tail are drawn asa conventional ornament at the sides of the breastplate.
Stony Mask rrom Mexico, ow 1x rHE Bririsu Musnum.
36 ' COPAN.
Srera A. (Plates XXV. to XXX., see also Plate IV., a and 0.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 168.]
Height 11 feet 6 inches. Average breadth 3 feet *.
This monument (A, Plate I.) stands in the Great Plaza on the north side of the
detached mound (No. 4, Plate I.) and faces the east. As is usually the case, the base
of the monument has been surrounded by four large blocks of stone, now somewhat
broken and displaced. A portion of the sculpture on the lower part of the monument
has been damaged by fire, and the surface of the stone has flaked off, but the rest of
the carving, although considerably weatherworn, is in a fair state of preservation.
The want of proper proportion in the representation of the human body is con-
spicuous in the principal figure carved on the front of this Stela. The body is far too
short for the size of the head and limbs. The face is beardless; the mouth slightly
open, showing the teeth. The nose is broken, but was probably prominent and aqui-
line. The hair is pushed off the forehead, and is hanging down in straight lines on
either side of the face. The forehead is receding, and there can be no doubt that it
was the custom of the people to compress the bones of the skull in infancy. The lobe
only of the ear is shown; unfortunately the ornament which passed through the centre
of it is broken off, but it was in all probability either a round disc or was similar in
design to that shown in profile in the second part of Glyph 21 on Plate XXX. The
absence of the shell of the ear in all designs of this class is at first somewhat perplexing,
but a reference to the Mexican mask figured in the text (pp. 33 and 35) shows how the
shell of the ear, as less susceptible to ornamentation, may have dropped by degrees out
of the design, and how the enlarged lobe with its central ornaments and pendants may
have become the conventional method of expressing the whole feature. ‘he hands are
held up over the breastplate, and the feet are turned outwards almost in a straight
line heel to heel. This conventional attitude is preserved throughout all the monuments
of this class at Copan.
The following detailed description of the ornamentation of this Stela is given in
terms which would be naturally used in describing dress and personal ornaments them-
selves and not stone representations of them :—
The head-dress is composed of folds or plaited strips of some stiff material, which
has already been mentioned as of frequent occurrence, and which can be easily recog-
nized. At the four corners of the head-dress, apparently attached to the ends of the
plaited strips, are serpents’ heads without lower jaws.
A short close-fitting cape covers the shoulders and chest. This cape is made
of square or oblong flattened plates, with a row of rounded plates or beads along the
* The base of each Stela is buried to an unknown depth in the ground; the height given is that of the
sculptured surface above ground.
COPAN.
q
oo
upper edge and a fringe of feathers or some other material along the lower edge. A
small portion only of this cape is visible ; it is, however, more clearly shown on some of
the other monuments. Over the chest lies what I propose to call the breastplate,
probably supported by a string of beads which passed round the back of the neck.
The oblong panel of the breastplate is ornamented with a plait, and at each end of
the panel is attached an elongated serpent’s head, from the open mouth of which issues
the head and shoulders of a grotesque human figure. (Compare 0 and ¢, Plate XXIV.)
This figure has an oval mark on its forehead, which is surmounted by a tall cap or
head-dress. (This oval mark is to be found on the foreheads of almost all the grotesque
heads and masks.) A necklace of beads hangs round the neck of the figure, and
part of another string of beads is visible, which probably hung down the back. The
left hand and part of the bracelet on the wrist can be seen above the lower jaw of the
serpent.
On the wrists of the principal figure are bracelets in the form of a grotesque head
without a lower jaw, surmounted by three knotted bands.
Round the waist is a girdle consisting of a broad band divided into panels, each panel
decorated with a different design. The designs in these panels are doubtless symbolical ;
they occur in certain positions throughout the sculptured work, and also in the few
Maya MSS. which have been preserved, and promise to be an interesting subject for
special study.
Hanging from the bottom of the girdle is a heavy fringe of tassels, each tassel
formed from a roll of some pliable material with a thong passed through the upper end.
In the middle of the girdle, and at the sides over each hip, is a human head. Above
each of these heads lies a looped tie, and heavier folds or tassels fall behind the large
ears, which have ear-pendants attached to them. Under the chin is a_ stiff plait
(apparently made of the same material as the plaited head-dress of the principal figure),
and from the under surface and ends of this plait appear the loose ends and loops of a
softer material ; beneath these, again, are three heavy folded tassels, each tassel with
an oval mark on it. The frequent use of human and grotesque heads and masks on the
girdles and garters &c. may account for the great number of stone and earthenware
heads to be seen in every museum of American antiquities. A head said to have come
from Copan, and now in the British Museum, is figured on pages 44 and 47. It is
cut from jadeite, and has holes pierced at the sides for attachment, and was quite
possibly used for the ornament of a girdle. There is an inscription, now much worn,
cut on the back of it, which is figured on Plate XXXII.
Attached to the girdle, and hanging over it in the same manner as the faces last
described, and lying between them, are two bands which reach almost to the knees:
each is ornamented with a grotesque head without a lower jaw, hanging forehead
downwards, of somewhat the same type as the grotesque heads on the bracelets, and
decorated in the same manner with three knotted bands, with the addition in this case
of loose ends hanging downwards. ‘Two circles and a bell-shaped mark, probably
38 COPAN.
representing beads, lie over the bottom of the hanging band, which has a hatched mark
on the extreme end.
From the centre of the girdle hangs what it will be convenient to call an apron.
The middle of this apron is, in this instance, ornamented with circles, bars, and dots ;
it is more usually decorated with a grotesque face or mask. The ornament of the sides
of the apron, which is shaded in the Plate, is derived from the plumed serpent’s head,
as can be seen in the series of drawings on Plate XXIV., fj. The lower part of the
apron is ornamented with circles and dots, and terminates in a winged scroll or loop.
Broad bands or garters of beads and tassels are fastened round the legs below the
knees, and have a central ornament lying just below the knee-cap in the shape of a
erotesque head with a fringe of tassels in place of a lower jaw.
~ It will be as well to guote here part of a description of the dress of the Indians in
the North of Yucatan, written at the orders of the Cabildo of Valladolid in the year
1579 * by acommittee of the earliest Spanish settlers in that part of the country :—
“The Indians of the province of Chiquinchal &c. are clad in ‘ xicoles’ of cotton and
feathers, woven like a two-sleeved jacket of many colours. They wear between their
legs a ‘mastil,’ which is a long piece of woven stuff; this is tied over the stomach and,
taking a turn below, clothes them decently. Two long ends with many feathers on
them hang down before and behind. ..... . Many of the men go naked except
their ¢ mastiles.’”
What I have called the girdle and apron is undoubtedly the ornamented loin-cloth
or “mastil” of the Indians of Yucatan; but it will be convenient to retain the terms
girdle and apron in describing the decoration.
The ornament of the anklets and sandals is similar to that of the bracelets, but the
three knotted bands are prolonged into thongs which pass between the toes and fasten
into the soles of the sandals.
Above the plaited head-dress of the principal figure, and perhaps attached to it, is a
grotesque face or mask with a winged scroll rising from the top of it. On each side
of the plaited head-dress is a grotesque-headed human figure in a crouching attitude,
with its feet resting on one of the serpent’s heads attached to the ends of the plait.
The head of this figure is surmounted by a grotesque mask. <A cord round the neck
supports a breastplate, and on the wrists and ankles are bracelets and anklets, and the
end of a loin-cloth can be seen passing over the thigh and hanging down. This figure
is holding against its breast, with both hands, the body of a serpent, whose open-
mouthed head occupies the upper corners of the design. Something to which no
name or meaning can yet be attached is issuing from the serpent’s open jaws. ‘The
tail of the serpent hangs down and ends in a winged scroll.
Behind these figures is a graceful arrangement of feathers, which were probably
attached to the back of the head-dress.
From behind the elbows of the principal figure appears part of an ornament, con-
* ¢ Relacion de la Villa de Valladolid de Yucatan.’ Imprenta de Fortanet, Madrid, 1884.
COPAN. 39
sisting of triple ties or bows and crossed bands forming a diamond-shaped pattern, and
in the middle what may be called a tasselled shield. This succession of ornaments
ends in a serpent’s head, with the shoulders and head of a grotesque figure surmounted
by an equally uncouth mask issuing from its open mouth. The whole of this
ornamental band probably hung suspended from the shoulders of the principal figure.
Plates XX VII. to X XIX. are views of the sides and back of the monument, and
Plate XXX. is the drawing, made from a plaster cast, of the hieroglyphic inscription
on the back and sides of the monument. The inscription commences on the north
side; is then, I think, continued on the back or west side, and ends on the south
side. This order has been followed in numbering the glyphs, but until the study of
the hieroglyphic inscriptions is further advanced, the sequence cannot be insisted on.
In front of Stela A, at the distance of a few feet, the remains of a monolithic altar
can be traced.
It is not intended at present to enter into any critical examination of the glyphs;
but there are some points of interest to which brief notice may be given.
With regard to the order in which the hieroglyphics should be read, Professor Cyrus
‘Thomas * has shown, from an examination of the Palenque Tablets, that when a single
column only of glyphs is met with, it should be read from the top to bottom, and that
when there is an even number of columns, the glyphs are to be read in double columns
from top to bottom, and from left to right. I myself came to the same conclusion
from an entirely independent examination of inscriptions from Quirigua and Copan,
and this order is adopted in numbering the glyphs on the following Plates.
Professor Thomas, in writing about the Maya MSS., also points out :—‘“It is now
generally conceded by all who have studied the hieroglyphics that the Maya method of
designating numbers was by the use of lines and dots; thus, one dot signifying 1, two
cots 2, and so on up to 4, that five was represented by a single short straight line, ten
by two lines, and so on. According to this system, a straight line and a dot,
thus! ee ould signify 6; two straight lines and two dots, thus ——- would
stand for 12.”
There is no reason to suppose that any different system of notation is employed on
the sculptured monuments; it was not, however, usual to leave blank spaces when
carving the numerals 1, 2, 6,7, 11, 12, 16,17 in stone, but to fill up the space
DUIS HOE) — ibe OO. oA QAOM . 6; OHO = 7 ke,
It will be found that many inscriptions are preceded by what I propose to call
* A Study of the Manuscript Troano by Cyrus Thomas. Contributions to N. American Ethnology, vol. y.
Washington Govt. Printing Office, 1882.
40 COPAN.
a “heading,” similar in general character to the heading of the inscription on
Plate XXX.
This heading is very frequently followed by what I propose to call the ‘ Initial
Series” of glyphs *. There are two principal forms in which this initial series occurs.
One is a series of six glyphs, each glyph composed of two characters—usually two
heads, without any numerals attached to them; the other is a series of six characters
occupying six or a less number of glyphs, each character having a numeral attached
to it. Each character in the single series is usually identical with one of the characters
from the glyph in the corresponding position in the double or two-character series.
In some cases there is a mixture of the two series.
The initial series is to be found in inscriptions throughout Central America. At
Copan, however, the single series only is well represented. It is thought that it will
add interest to this part of the publication to give a table of the series (Plate XXXL.)
as it occurs in nine of the inscriptions at Copan.
Where in any of these inscriptions the initial series has been compressed into less
than six glyphs, the characters have been separated on Plate XXXI., and are placed
one below the other; the correct sequence, of course, being retained.
The characters most easily distinguished are those occupying the positions of
Numbers 4 and 6 of the series. Number 4 is a grotesque animal’s head in profile,
with a very clearly marked scroll at the corner of the mouth, and Number 6 a car-
touche containing usually, but not always, a human head in profile.
In some cases where an unexpected character occurs in the single series, as in
Numbers 2 & 5, Stela M, Plate XX XI., these characters are also found to occur as the
second characters of the glyph in the same position in the double series: the
examples quoted above being found in the inscription on the well-known ‘Tablet of the
Cross at Palenque.
Until the whole body of inscriptions is carefully collated, it is impossible to say how
far the slighter variations which are to be found in the series are due to artistic latitude
allowed to the sculptor or to intentional difference in the matter recorded.
The number attached to the first glyph of the initial series will be found to be
almost invariably the number nine.
The highest number expressed by the system of notation already described is nineteen,
represented by three bars and four dots (Stela A3, Plate XXXI.), and nothing is known
for certain of the notation for the expression of any higher number. I am, however,
strongly inclined to believe that the sign given in fig. a (p. 41), which occurs in com-
bination in Glyphs Numbers 3, 15, & 35 of Plate XXX., and again in an exceptional
form in Number 90, stands for the numeral 20.
* The word “glyph” is employed to denote each separate square or group of characters, and may contain
one or more characters, as each character may be made up of one or more signs.
COPAN. 4]
This explanation first suggested itself to me on noticing the position
this sign occupies in the initial series, occurring as it does in seven of
the initial series on Plate XXXI., where it would be natural to expect a
numeral,
I had also noticed that the character shown in fig. 6, frequently occurred
with a double set of numerals attached to it (as in fig. ¢), and a more
careful examination of all the inscriptions within my knowledge showed
that when this character is not accompanied by two sets of numerals, the
sign which I suppose to represent 20 is given in place of one set of
numerals, as in figs. d and é, or more rarely both sets of numerals are
replaced by the supposed sign for 20, as in fig. f.
It may be added that there are only two isolated instances of a double 000
set of numerals being attached to any other character than that shown
in fig. d. .
We thus find that the sign which I suppose to represent the number ] a.
twenty occurs both in the initial series and in other parts of many
inscriptions in positions where it is probable that a numeral would be
found.
There is another character which sometimes occurs in what otherwise
might be considered as a single-charactered initial series; and it is
possible that this character also, which is made up of three signs, and
can be seen in Plate XXXI. Stela I, 5, also represents a number; but
further consideration of its import must be postponed until the inscrip-
tions from Quirigua are figured, where it is of more frequent occur-
rence.
A study of Plate XX XI. shows other exceptions to what has been
given roughly as the rule with regard to the initial series ; but it must be
borne in mind that the object of these remarks is merely to point out
the most promising lines of investigation, and that any statements now
made must be considered as purely tentative.
There is, however, another point to be noticed, in regard to the sign
which I suppose to represent the number twenty. It is known that
there are twenty days both in the Maya and Mexican months, and on Plate XXXII.
are figured reduced copies of what Professor Cyrus Thomas has shown to be two
calendars. ‘The Maya calendar occurs in the MS. known as the Codex Cortesianus,
and the Mexican calendar is taken from plate 44 of the Fejervary Codex. Below
these are figured two schemes, with numbers in place of the day characters, drawn
up by Professor Thomas when working out the calendar systems, and without any
reference whatever to the matter now under consideration; but it will be seen that
the arrangement of the calendar is in exactly the same shape as the sign which I
suppose to be the numeral twenty.
BIOL, CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., November 1890.
g
42 COPAN.
If I am right in my suggestion the likeness in the arrangement of the calendar to
the numeral twenty would suggest a numeration in scores, which is in accordance with
what is stated by the early Spanish writers *.
In a northerly direction (between A and B, Plate I.) lies another Stela, broken off
just above the feet of the principal figure which faces the east. The feet and sandals
are well carved and in fair preservation, but the remainder of the monument has
suffered much from fire and was not worth copying.
Near to this fallen monument is an altar figured in Stephens’s ‘ Central America’
(vol. i. p. 157), and which can be seen in the distance in Plate XXIX. A twisted
rope ornament encircles it, and curved grooves are cut on the top and sides.
SreLa B. (Plates XX XIII. to XXXIX., see also a and 4, Plate IV.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 156.]
Approximate height 11 feet 9 inches. Average breadth 3 feet 6 inches.
This monument (B, Plate I.) stands almost in the centre of the northern half of the
Great Plaza, and faces the east. ‘The lower portion of the carving has been destroyed
by fire, and the whole of the front of the monument which is carved in high relief has
suffered considerable damage.
The principal figure on the front of this Stela has much the appearance of a Chinaman.
The face is bearded and has what appears to be a moustache joined into a curious
ornament which hangs over the centre of the breastplate. The ears are furnished
with pendants as well as with the usual ornaments through the centre of the lobe.
The panel of the breastplate is ornamented with two of the symbols usually found
on the girdle. On the apron is an exaggerated face without a lower jaw, which takes
the place of the circles and bars found on Stela A. (Compare Plate XXIV., f.)
The head-dress bears a strong resemblance to a turban; lying over it are some
feathers and scroll-work, of which the attachments cannot properly be made out.
Above the turban is a complicated ornament made up of two small human figures
seated on the front of a grotesque face without a lower jaw. ‘This face is shown
amongst a series of such faces on Plate XXIV., m. The great curved teeth are, how-
ever, common to this head, and to the heads which bear some resemblance to those of
elephants occupying the top corners of the Stela.
* ‘El modo de contar de los Indios es de cinco en cinco, y de quatro cincos hazen veinte.’ Landa, Relacion.
COPAN. 45
The elephant-like appearance of these heads has been the subject of much discussion,
but I fail to see any reason why the form may not have been taken from the head of
the tapi, an animal still commonly found in the neighbourhood. The exaggeration
in the length of the nose or trunk is too common a feature in almost all the numerous
grotesque heads found on these sculptures to call for any special comment in this case.
On the upper part of the trunk orifices having the appearance of nostrils are clearly
defined, and there are some cross-hatched marks on the lower part of the trunk. The
eyes are almost surrounded by what appear to be scales. On the North side (Plates
XXXVI. A and XXXVII. A) the scroll-work usually attached to the serpent’s head is
seen rising from the top of the ear, which is also furnished with a pendent ornament.
Above both these trunked heads has probably been seated a small human figure, but
that on the South side only (Plates XXXVI. Band XXXVII. B) now remains. Each of
these figures carried in his hand a peculiar baton or sceptre with a grotesque head on the
top of it. This baton is seen on the side A, almost covering the eye of the trunked head.
The grotesque head on the baton in A has a winged scroll arising from its forehead
and another from the top of its head. In B it is difficult to determine whether the
scroll which appears to rise from the head really belongs to it or whether it is attached
to the ear of the large trunked head.
Down each side of the Stela, below the large trunked head, are three other heads
(tinted in alternate colours on Plate XX XVII.) with trunks less developed and with
eyes of another shape, and with large teeth curved in the opposite direction to those
of the upper heads. In the lowest of these heads only is the lower jaw shown. All three
heads on each side have the conventional ear with the serpent scroll rising from the top
of it, and also an ear-pendant with a small face on it.
From under the eyelid of the uppermost of these three heads hangs a band, to
which is attached a grotesque head with a serpent scroll, hanging forehead downwards.
From the back of this head a band passes over the shoulders of a small human figure,
which is seated immediately above the prolonged teeth of the serpent’s head attached
to the breastplate of the principal figure on the front of the Stela. Only one of these
small human figures can now be seen; but it is probable that a similar figure has
been broken off the north side of the monument, and it has been restored in the
drawing in order to keep the balance of the design.
Another small figure was seated on the trunk of each of the lowest of the three
large heads, and can be seen in both front and side views.
The back of this Stela is decorated with a huge grotesque face which is shown in
Plate XXIV., n. ‘The figure seated on the forehead of this face, and the glyphs from
the eyes and mouth, are figured below the photograph on Plate XX XVIII.
44 COPAN.
Srove Heap uv tue Barris Musrvum, sai TO HAVE COME FROM CoPAN.
Sreta C. (Plates XXXIX. to XLI.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘Central America,’ vol. i. p. 155; and Catherwood’s
Views, Plate 4.]
Approximate height 11 feet 10 inches. Average breadth 3 feet 6 inches.
This is a broken monolith (C, Plate I.) which faced east and west, and must have
been one of the most elaborately carved of the whole series.
The part still standing has suffered from fire, and much of the surface has flaked off.
The principal figure on the east side is shown in Plate XL. The head is beardless.
With the help of pulleys and improvised shear-legs we were with difficulty able to
raise the fallen portion so as to enable me to mould the glyphs on the underside, and
to obtain the photograph of the figure on the west side which is given in Plate XXXIX.
The features have suffered much mutilation, but it is interesting to note the heavy
beard which covers the whole of the lower part of the face, a peculiarity which, so far
as 1 know, is not to be found on any other sculptured figure in Central America.
COPAN. 45
The ornamentation of the figure appears to have been of the usual type.
Plate XLI. gives a drawing of the inscription on the sides of this Stela, taken from
the plaster cast now in the South Kensington Museum.
Close to this broken Stela, and partly shown in Plate XL., is what may have been
an altar, in shape somewhat resembling a turtle. ‘The back of the animal is without
ornament, and the claws, which are not in shape those of a turtle, are detached from
it, but the monument has been too much disturbed for the design to be made out with
any certainty. It is just possible that the alligator-like head which is figured by
Stephens (plates facing p. 156, vol. i.) as lying at the foot of Stela B may have
belonged to this nondescript animal.
Stera D. (Plates XLII. to XLVIIL., see also 4, Plate IV.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 153; and Catherwood’s
Views, Plate 5.|
Approximate height 12 feet. Average breadth 3 feet 6 inches.
This monument (D, Plate I.) stands at the north end of the Great Plaza, immediately
in front of the flat-topped mound (No. 2, Plate I.) and faces the south. ‘The design
is very elaborate and is carved in high relief. Unfortunately there is but little of the
ornament which has escaped serious damage and mutilation.
The face of the principal figure is covered with a mask which has a large oval mark
on the forehead. ‘The eyes and mouth of the face show through the openings in the
mask and the beard appears from beneath it.
The serpent’s head scroll rises from the top of the lobe of the ear, but this scroll is
more probably intended to be connected with the mask than with the human head.
The centre face is absent from the girdle, and the apron which hangs over the top
of the girdle is ornamented with a grotesque head hanging forehead downwards, with
three ties over the forehead, and below this head with feathers and rosettes.
Immediately above the head of the principal figure is a grotesque mask with loops
and ties over its forehead. Above this the sculpture, which is deeply cut, is much
broken away, but traces of two serpents’ heads are visible; and protruding from their
mouths are grotesque-headed creatures with winged scrolls issuing from their
foreheads.
The hands and arms of a human figure can be made out grasping the bodies of these
serpents, but all the remainder of the figure is broken away.
In Plate XLV. the scrolls usually attached to the serpent’s head are inserted in
dotted lines, merely as suggesting the ornament which probably occupied the position.
AG COPAN.
Turning now to the side view A, Plate XLVL., the body of one of the serpents whose
head is shown on the front of the Stela can be traced down until it ends in another
head with the serpent scroll attached to the back of it. Issuing from the jaws of
this lower head is a grotesque-headed creature with the winged scroll on its forehead.
‘This grotesque figure holds in its hand something to which it is not at present possible
to attach any meaning or any name; it is of constant occurrence (compare Plate VIII.),
and it is hoped that further investigations may determine its nature. On the upper
part of A, Plate XLVI., two grotesque figures adorned with bracelets, anklets, and
breastplates, and each clothed only in a loin-cloth, may be seen grasping the serpent.
Following the design down the side of the Stela, below the serpent’s head appears
the curved tail of another serpent, which cannot be further traced, and again below
this another serpent’s tail, joined toa grotesque head hanging forehead downwards
with the serpent scroll attached to it. Below this, again, is another serpent’s head
with a grotesque head issuing from its mouth, similar to the first described. ‘The
body of this snake is lost at the bottom of the monument, where the carving is much
broken away.
The remaining space is occupied by a glyph, formed in part of a grotesque head in
profile, with the serpent scroll attached to it, with the numeral seven in front of it.
Beneath the glyph is some rectangular ornament which cannot be satisfactorily
made out.
The other side of the monument B (Plate XLVI.) is similar in general design,
differing only in details. The figure issuing from the serpent’s head on the top of
the monument has in its hand a human head with feathers or scroll-work attached to
it. And the upper grotesque figure leaning over the body of the serpent holds a
mask-headed baton supported on its right arm.
On the lower part of this side of the monument there are two Glyphs, the upper
with a number which is probably eight, and the lower with the number fourteen
attached to it.
Although great care has been taken with the drawings of the ornamentation of this
monument, the damage which it has suffered is so great that it is by no means certain
that the connection of the heads and bodies of the serpents has been correctly made
out.
The back of Stela D (Plates XLVII. and XLVIII.) presents an altogether
different form of ornamentation to that previously described, and only this one example
of it occurs at Copan. It is an inscription not in hieroglyphics, but in what may be
termed “ picture-writing.” The “heading” is practically the same as that of the
hieroglyphic inscriptions, but somewhat further elaborated, and the initial series ends
in (No. 6) a cartouche with a whole figure within it in place of the customary head.
It is not proposed further to analyze the contents of this inscription until others of a
similar character which occur at Quirigua can be offered for comparison, but the fact
COPAN. AT
that something approaching an initial series occurs also in this form will doubtless
prove of great assistance to anyone attempting the interpretation of the hieroglyphics.
The round disc in No. 12 is owing to a hard nodule occurring in the stone, which
was not susceptible of sculpture with the tools the artist had at hiscommand. A similar
nodule has been met with between Nos. 4 and 5, which has been entirely removed, and
the carving continued over the concave surface of the stone. A similar nodule has
doubtless been extracted from the west side of the monument, just below the lower
serpent’s head.
In front of this monument is a monolithic altar shown in Plate XLII.
The south side (a) facing the plaza appears to represent a death’s head. On the
side facing the monument is (2) a huge grotesque head of a more usual type without a
lower jaw.
Stone Heap 1n rue Brirtsh Museum, sarp 10 HAVE COME FROM CoPAN.
COPAN.
i
Pp
SteLta E. (Plate XLIX.)
Approximate height 10 feet. Average breadth 2 feet 3 inches.
Stela E is a fallen and defaced monument, lying on the terrace to the east of mound
No. 1, Plate I. No photograph was taken of it. The inscription on the sides and
back (Plate XLIX.) has been drawn from a plaster cast in the South Kensington
Museum.
Strta F. (Plates L. to LII., see also 6, Plates IV. and LIV.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 152; and Catherwood’s
Views, Plate 5.]
This monument (F, Plate I.), which stands on the east side of the Great Plaza and
faces west, is in such a bad state of preservation that but little can be said about it.
The principal figure is carved in high relief, and the dress and ornaments are similar to
those already described. Below the face is an ornament, which appears to be connected
with the moustache, like that already noted in Stela B. The head is surmounted by a
grotesque mask, above which are traces of a seated human figure.
The sides of the monument (a, Plate LI.) are ornamented with serpents’ heads and
small grotesque figures, one above the other, and an arrangement of feathers with
rosettes on them.
The feather-work is continued over the back of the monument (0, Plate LI.), as are
also the twisted bodies of the serpents, which are twined in and out of the hieroglyphic
inscription, breaking it up into groups, each containing four glyphs.
The inscription is given on Plate LII., drawn from photographs, with some additions
taken from Catherwood’s plates, as the monument was in a somewhat better state of
preservation when his drawings were made.
The altar standing in front of this monument to the west (Plates L. and 6, LI.)
almost baffles description. The east and west sides are alike, and appear to represent
a grotesque face without a nose and without a lower jaw. A triple band, similar to
those already noted on the bracelets and anklets of some of the large figures, is tied in
three knots over the forehead. Lying partly over this band are two bent limbs with
tiger-like claws. Between the eyes a smooth blank space is left on the stone, and it
seems probable that the nose may have been cut from a separate block of stone and
afterwards fitted into its place, but no trace of such a detached nose could be seen.
Two projections ornamented with scrolls rise from the sides of the altar, and almost
divide the top surface across the centre.
COPAN. 49
Autars G. (Plates LIL, d & c, to LIV.)
At G is a group of three carved stones which are not mentioned by Stephens.
These stones may for convenience be classed as altars, although the use to which they
were put is very doubtful. All three were overturned and broken, and one of them is
almost entirely destroyed. Photographs of the two which are in the best state of
preservation are given on Plates LIIL and LIV. (a).
Each end of G1, the larger of the two stones figured, is carved into the shape of a
huge serpent’s or dragon’s head. The best preserved of these heads is resting on two
skeleton arms with claw-like hands. The upper jaw is, as usual, much exaggerated
and furnished with large recurved teeth. Out of the mouth is protruding the upper
part of a human figure with a grotesque head. ‘The dragon’s head on the other end of
altar has been partly broken away. ‘The tongue is carved into the shape of a serpent’s
head in the manner already noticed on pages 28 and 29. ‘The head protruding from
this dragon’s mouth is human in form.
Both the dragons’ heads are fringed with feathers, and between them is a hieroglyphic
inscription.
On one side of the altar this inscription is so much weatherworn that I did not
consider it worth moulding, an omission which I now much regret. A drawing of
the inscription on the other side is given on Plate LII.(4); it is somewhat irregular
in shape, owing to the presence of a large round flinty nodule in the stone. Above
the inscription a niche is cut in the stone, which may have served as a receptacle for
offerings.
The shape of G2, the second altar (Plate LIV., a), is a reversal of the one already
described. In this altar the body of the animal forms a sort of arch connecting the two
serpents or dragons’ heads, and the niche is below. I can only suggest that it may
have been the custom to place brasiers with copal underneath the stone, so that the
smoke might ascend over the animal’s body.
The inscription from one side only of this altar is figured on Plate LII. (c). The
glyphs on the other side were almost entirely obliterated.
The third altar of this group is very much broken and defaced, but it appears to
have been of somewhat the same form as that last described. No photograph of it was
taken.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., March 1892. h
50 COPAN.
Streta H. (Plates LIV., 4, to LXII., a.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. pp. 149, 150; and Catherwood’s
Views, Plate 1.]
Height 12 feet. Breadth 3 feet 3 inches.
The circle of small stones which forms the edge of a low platform on which this
monument stands can be seen in the photograph (Plate LIV., 6). Three out of the
four large stones which surrounded the base of the monument itself are still in place.
The front of the monument, which faces the west, presents the figure of a woman
carved in high relief (Plates LV., LVI., & LXII., a). With the exception of a skirt,
which was apparently made of tiger’s skin, braided with a crossbar work of alternate
long and round beads, the costume and adornments differ but little from those already
described. ‘The minor differences are the presence of a second ornament overlaying
the centre of the breastplate, the simplicity of the bracelets and sandals, on which there
are no grotesque heads, and the modification of the girdle.
In the centre of the head-dress is a large grotesque mask, and at each side of the
mask is an arrangement of serpents’ heads without lower jaws. One of these heads
is fringed below with feathers and tassels—a design which will be found frequently
repeated on other monuments. ‘The other head has a band hanging from it adorned
with tassels and rosettes.
Above the large mask is the remains of what may have been another grotesque head,
backed with tiger’s skin.
The whole head-dress is surrounded by gracefully arranged feather-work.
The sides of the monument (Plates LVII. to LIX.) are somewhat similar to one
another in design. The lower part is occupied by an oval, a loop, and an attached
scroll, in a form which constantly occurs amongst the hieroglyphics; it here forms a
framework for a grotesque-headed human figure. From the top of the scroll spring
two entwined serpents, whose bodies extend to the top of the monument; but it has
not been found possible to trace their convolutions exactly nor to attach to them the
heads and the tail ornaments which form part of the decoration. Two human figures
holding on to the bodies of the serpents peer out from amidst the feather-work. The
lower of these two figures on the south side of the monument holds a mask-headed
baton in his left hand.
The back of this monument (Plates LX. and LXI.) is very elaborate in design. It
is surrounded by a fringe of feathers and rosettes. On the lower part is an inscription
of eight much defaced glyphs. In the centre of the design above the inscription is a
grotesque mask with large ears and ear-scrolls, and with a four-lobed mark on the
forehead. Below this mask is a plaited ribbon, from which hangs an apron similar in
design to those already described as hanging from the girdles of the principal figures on
COPAN. % 51
the other monuments; but in this case the central face is covered by a small seated
human figure with one arm resting on its knee, and the other passed through the eye
of the serpent’s head ornaments.
In the upper part of the design, above the central mask, is the figure of a sort of
grotesque bird, whose claws can be seen grasping a horizontal bar. Two plumed and
tasselled serpents’ heads of the conventional type take the place of outstretched wings.
From the mouth of the bird hangs what may be called a tongue with three round
spots on it, and apparently attached to the end of the tongue is a plaited ribbon.
Below the bar clutched by the claws of the bird is a design something like that of the
breastplates of the principal figures, with the difference that in place of the serpents’
heads are what appear to be two grotesque birds’ heads. On the central panels of this
ornament there is twice repeated one of the symbols which occur so frequently on
girdles and breastplates.
To the birds’ heads at the end of this ornament is apparently attached the plaited
ribbon which hangs down on each side of the central mask and ends in a serpent’s
head with disks and tassels attached to it.
There now remains to be mentioned that part of the design (coloured red) which
extends from the tongue of the grotesque bird to the top of the central mask. I have
no doubt that it is a symbolical ornament especially connected with the mask below it,
and one of considerable importance. It is not only repeated again at Copan, but is
also of frequent occurrence at Palenque and Menché.
The following figures give some examples of this ornament.
In a (Stela I, Copan) the full front view is given.
In 6 (Stela H, Copan) the left-hand part is given in profile.
In ¢ (interior mural decoration, Palenque) both the centre and left-hand parts are
given almost in profile.
Up to the present no example has been found of the use of this ornament except in
connection with the head or mask having the four-lobed mark on its forehead, and it
h2
52 COPAN.
will probably prove of great assistance in identifying that particular dragon-like figure
to which this head or mask pertains.
It has already been figured before, on Plate LX. (6 and c) as well as on Plates XII.,
XIII. (2), and XV., where the symbols can be traced over the head of the dragon on
the east side of the sculptured doorway, although the design itself was not appreciated
when the drawings on Plates IX. and XII. were made.
In front of Stela H is an altar, shown on Plate LIV. (0). It is so much defaced that
the design is almost entirely lost, but traces of four large faces carved on the sides of
the altar can still be made out; and running round the upper part are two ornamental
bands, similar in design to some of the breastplates. This latter ornament will be
better seen when the altar at U is figured.
Steta I. (Plates LXII., 6, to LXV.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 151.]
Height 9 feet. Greatest breadth 2 feet 9 inches.
This monument stood in a niche cut out of the stone-faced slope, and at the time of
Stephens’s visit was still standing, although almost entirely covered over with earth
and fallen masonry. I found it again covered with earth, but fallen and broken into
one large and several smaller pieces. These pieces were moulded separately, and the
casts made from them have been joined together. (See photographs on Plates LXIII.
and LXIV.)
The principal figure stands in the usual conventional attitude. The face is com-
pletely covered with a grotesque mask, and natural eyes and mouth do not show
through the mask as on Stela D. The ears are of the same shape as one part of the
ornament figured on page 51, and snake’s head ornaments are pendent from them.
Apparently attached to the bottom of this mask is another grotesque mask without a
lower jaw, and below this again is a small tasselled head.
The breastplate is reduced to a line of fringed links representing a serpent’s body ;
and the serpents’ heads at each end are of the usual form, and have grotesque heads
issuing from their mouths.
The three faces on the girdle are grotesques, and there is a breadth of tiger's skin
between the girdle and the usual fringe of tassels.
The upper part only of the apron is preserved, and is ornamented with a full-faced
grotesque head. (See also Plate XXIV., 4.)
COPAN. 53
Above the head of the principal figure is a grotesque mask with the four-lobed mark
on its forehead and the usual symbols above (fig. a, p. 51). Around the square ears of
this mask are clustered plaits and scrolls and serpent-head ornaments, and at each side
is the head and arm of a human figure.
An ornament similar in character to that already described in Stela A hangs down
on either side of the legs of the principal figure, and was probably suspended from the
shoulders. The lower part of this ornament is very indistinct, but some of the features
of a grotesque serpent’s head can be made out with a tasselled disk hanging from its
mouth.
The garters are almost entirely broken away, and the top of the sandals are also
much mutilated.
Plate LXIV. is a photograph from the plaster cast of the inscription on the back and
sides of this monument. The two lower glyphs on both the sides have been completely
destroyed. The four lower glyphs on the back can still be traced; but unfortunately
this part of the mould was mislaid when the cast was made, and these glyphs were
omitted, but they are shown in the drawing of the inscription given on Plate LXV.
The circular altar which stood in front of this monument is shown in Plate LXIL., 0;
the inscription on it is much defaced.
Steta J. (Plates LXVI. to LXXII.)
Height 8 feet 10 inches. Greatest breadth 3 feet 5 inches.
This monument is not mentioned by Stephens. It differs from the others in having
no figure carved on it. A small altar without much ornament on it (see Plate LXVL.,, a)
stands to the west of the monument, which must therefore be considered to face in
that direction.
The design of this west front (Plates LXVI. (2) and LXVIII.) is that of a full face
without a lower jaw, somewhat similar to but less elaborate than the design on the
back of Stela B, and it can be best understood by a reference to figures / and m on
Plate XXIV.
More than half the surface is occupied by a hieroglyphic inscription. The glyphs
are numbered consecutively on Plate LX VIII. for facility of reference, although the
order in which they should be taken is altogether uncertain.
On the sides of the monument (Plates LX VII. and LXIX.) is an inscription in
double columns. On the north side the top glyph of each column differs in character
and arrangement from the rest, and these may possibly be the last two glyphs carried
over from the inscription which is carved on the face of the monument.
64 COPAN.
The remainder of the inscription on the sides has a consecutive series of numerals
running through it, and appears to have been made up of a number of short sentences
or paragraphs.
This arrangement is clearly shown on Plate LXX., where the inscription is redrawn
and the paragraphs placed one under the other.
The east face or back of the monument (Plates LX VI. (a), LXXI., and LX XII.) is
completely covered by an inscription, in which the glyphs are arranged on a ribbon
in diagonal lines, an arrangement which is not met with elsewhere.
As it is improbable that the sculptor could have thus arranged the glyphs without
some pattern to refer to, I tried to construct such a pattern with strips of paper, and
succeeded in making a plait all in one piece, which is figured on Plate LXXI. The
heading and first five glyphs of the Initial series are fairly distinct, and clearly indicate
where the plait should commence, and it will be seen that the last glyph on the plait
(No. 48) lies exactly opposite the heading. The most difficult part of the arrangement
of the plait is at the bottom, where unfortunately the carving is much worn; but
although it may be possible to turn this part of the plait somewhat differently, no
other arrangement is likely to alter the sequence of the glyphs to any great extent.
On the assumption that this plan for the numbering of the glyphs is correct, another
copy of the inscription is given on Plate LXXII., in which the glyphs are arranged
in the usual form of double columns, so as to facilitate comparison with other
inscriptions.
Attar K. (Plate LXXIILI, a.)
This is a small flat-topped altar about 2 feet 6 inches square and | foot high. The
inscription given on Plate LX XIII. (a) is carved on the four sides.
Attar L. (Plate LXXIIL., 6.)
This is a block of stone measuring about 3 feet 7 inches square and 2 feet 3 inches
high, carved on one side only. A drawing made from a plaster cast is given on
Plate LX XIII. (8).
‘iy
1 WA
ag ¢
ie oe aoe
aag wae
; Pp ot .
Di iene tac a
ab c ea "i : '
cRteae ed) Pa
Th ‘ 5
COPAN. 5d
Sera M. (Plate LXXIV.)
Height not measured—probably about 10 feet. Breadth 2 feet 6 inches.
This monument is lying on its face, and is broken into two or three pieces. I was
not able to turn over the blocks of stone and examine the figure carved on the under-
side. A mould of the inscription on the back was made in paper, and a drawing from
the cast is given in Plate LX XIV.
Within a few feet of Stela M is an altar (Plate LXXV., a & 6) which may be roughly
described as a square-shaped block of stone fashioned into the form of a four-legged
grotesque animal without a head. In the flat surface, both on the front and back of
the monument, there is a large hole, and it seems probable that into these holes heads
had formerly been fitted. The animal represented may have been the double-headed
dragon already given on Plates IX. and XII.
Close to this altar a stone head was found with tenon attached, which fitted fairly
well into the hole in the front of the altar. The head is shown in this position in the
Photograph on Plate LXXYV. (a). There is a four-lobed mark on the forehead as
well as the peculiar marks already mentioned and figured on page 51, usually found
in connection with one of the heads of the two-headed dragon. ‘The photograph
(Plate LXXV., 0) is not sufficiently good to show clearly the hole in the back of the
altar into which, if the suggestion made be correct, the second head of the dragon
would have been fitted.
The sides of the altar, between the fore and hind legs of the animal, are shaped into
large grotesque faces, and the top of the altar is also carved into a huge grotesque face
similar to the faces m and m in Plate XXIV. The ornaments over the joints of the
limbs and the small groups of tasselled balls will be found in other instances as
adornments of these dragon-like figures.
StevaA N. (Plates LXXVI. to LXXXIIL., a.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘Central America,’ vol. i. Frontispiece and p. 138. |
Height 11 feet 6 inches. Breadth 4 feet 2 inches.
This is the most elaborately carved of all the monuments now standing at Copan,
and is in fairly good preservation, although it has suffered some damage since
Mr. Catherwood sketched it in 1839.
The sculpture is similar in general design on the front and back of the monument.
A paper mould was taken of the hieroglyphic inscription on the sides of the
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., September 1893. a
56 COPAN.
monument, but the drawing of the rest of the sculpture has been made from photo-
graphs only. A considerable number of photographs were taken, and the prints have
been very carefully compared one with the other.
On the front of the monument (Plates LX XVI. and LX XVII.) isa large human figure
standing in the usual conventional position, with the hands raised to the breastplate.
The projecting ends of the ear-ornaments have been broken off. Above the head is a
large grotesque mask without a lower jaw. On either side is a plaited ribbon, edged
with round disks. ‘The forehead of the mask, on which is a cross hatched mark, is
bound round with a cord, knotted in front, and forming on one side a loop, and on
the other a sort of flower-like expansion, to which is attached a grotesque-looking fish.
Only a small fragment of the lower part of the fish is now left, but it is restored in the
drawing from Catherwood’s plates and from other examples on this same monument.
This flower-and-fish ornament will be again found at Chichén Itza, and there is
also something like it at Palenque. Springing from the corner of the mask above
the loop is an ornament (coloured the same as the mask) which will be recognized
as part of the design figured on page 51, and it may possibly connect this mask with
the head of the double-headed dragon. Above the mask is a very curious ornament
now much broken; it is restored on Plate LX XVII. from Catherwood’s plates, and is
left uncoloured.
The shoulders of the principal figure are covered with a cape made of the usual
oblong flattened plates: the breastplate is of the ordinary form and has grotesque
figures issuing from the serpents’ mouths; over the centre of the breastplate is an
inverted grotesque mask, coloured green in the plate.
The bracelets, girdle, apron, garters, and sandals are similar to those already described
on other monuments.
On either side of the great mask over the head of the principal figure is an alligator’s
or dragon’s head, turned towards the side of the monument, and the drawing on
Plate LXXIX. shows the looped or tasselled ornament which is attached to the end
of the dragon’s snout, and the scroll ornament, decorated with a cross-marked oval,
which hangs from its chin. Above the dragon’s head is a boss shaped into a grotesque
full face, from which springs a large double scroll.
Amongst the feather-work on the upper part of the monument are three much-
mutilated figures—one in the centre seated cross-legged, and holding on to what is
either the remains of his breastplate or the body of one of the entwined snakes which
form one of the principal features in the decoration of this monument. ‘The heads of
these snakes are very conventional in form, and can be seen (coloured green) both in
tbe front and back views on a line with the knees of the principal figures. The bodies
ascend the sides of the monument, Plates LX XVIII. & LXXIX., and apparently pass
over the upper part of the head-dresses of the principal figures, but the sculpture is
COPAN. 57
here so much broken that the bodies cannot be traced continuously ; then descending
the sides they form loops with the ascending coils, and end in curiously-shaped orna-
ments on either side of the four lowest glyphs of the inscription.
At each of the four corners of the base of the monument is crouched a grotesque
creature, half man half beast (tinted grey), supporting in its huge open mouth a small
human figure. These grotesques can be seen in the front, back, and side views. The
figure at the south-east corner is the most peculiar, its frog-like upper jaw, which is
turned right back, is seen in the south view only, the lower jaw can be seen in the
east view, and it will be noticed that the whole of the front part of the body below the
jaw is turned into a huge grotesque face. Above the heads of the human figures
which stand in the open mouths of these grotesques is the first entertwining of the
ascending and descending serpents’ bodies, and the loop thus formed above is in each
case occupied by another figure with a grotesque head.
As the back of the monument (Plates LX X XI. and LX XXII.) is turned towards the
steep slope of the steps leading to the temple No. 11, it was impossible to place the
camera in a good position, and all the views had to be taken looking down on the
monument from above.
In general design the sculpture on the back is similar to that on the North face. The
small head on the ornament hanging over the breastplate is different in shape. ‘The
mask over the head of the principal figure is in better preservation, and more dragon-like
in form; the forehead is bound by a knotted cord, which ends in a flower-like
expansion with a fish attached to it. On either side of the mask, instead of the alligator’s
head, there is a grotesque head, with a cross-bar ornament hanging down in place of
a lower jaw; above these grotesque heads is an ornament similar in form to that
(left uncoloured) above the head of the large central mask; but these latter ornaments
can be seen best on the side views.
Plate LX XXIII. (a) gives a drawing of the inscription on the four stones placed
round the foot of the monument; unfortunately the cast is not quite complete, as
there were probably some additional glyphs at the end of the lines carved on separate
and smaller stones, which were overlooked.
In front of this monument is an altar (Plate LXXXIII.,6) rather smaller, but
somewhat similar to that already described as lying near the fallen Stela M, but in this
case the whole design is carved out of a single stone. It isin the form of a double-
headed dragon (a head at each end) with four legs. The sides of the body between the
legs are shaped into huge grotesque faces. Round the top of the altar runs a broad
band with cross ties at intervals and loops at the end.
58 COPAN.
Attar O. (Plates LXXXIV. and LXXXYV.)
Greatest length (on the ground) 7 feet. Greatest height 3 feet 5 inches.
This altar is not mentioned by Stephens: it stands on the east side of Mound No. 7,
and is somwhat similar in outline to G (1) figured on Plate LIII., with a niche cut in
the upper surface, but it differs from it considerably in detail.
On the west side (Plates LXXXIV., a, and LXXXYV., a) the surface is covered with
the semblance of a conventional plumed serpent. A double scroll (shaded) issues from
the open mouth ; the end of the upper jaw is turned up and forms a small grotesque
face, which is seen in profile. There isa plume of feathers under the chin of the
serpent, and from the corner of the mouth hangs a tongue which is fashioned into a
conventional serpent’s head without a lower jaw. ‘The usual scroll springs from the
back of the head. The body is clothed with scales, and ornamented with three pairs
of circular markings. The line of the back and the underpart of the tail is fringed
with feathers. Where the body begins to curl upwards the figure of a small serpent
occupies the corner of the stone.
On the east side (Plates LX XXIV., 6, and LXXXV., b) there are two serpents. ‘The
heads are similar to that of the serpent on the east side, but they are furnished with
arms and claw-like hands. The bodies are more snake-like in form, and attached to the
tails are ornaments marked with a conventional full face, from which spring double
scrolls.
Between the twisted bodies of the serpents is a detached ornament crowned with a
plume of feathers.
The ends of this monument (Plate LXXXV.,¢ &d) are somewhat worn. On
the north end (Plate LX XXYV., c) is carved a frog and a fish, and on the south end a
smaller fish and two human figures.
STeLa P. (Plates LXX XVI. to LXXXIX.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. p. 140.]
Height 10 feet 7 inches. Greatest breadth 2 feet 7 inches.
This monument stands in the Western Court, near the foot of a flight of steps (Plate I.
No. 15), and faces the west. The principal figure on the front (Plates LXXXVI. and
LXXXVIL) is in the usual conventional pose, with hands held up to the chest. The
face has been mutilated. The ear-bosses are large and around them are a number of
ornaments, plaited ribbons, feather-work, and portions of the conventional serpents’
COPAN. 59
heads, which are difficult to describe in detail. Below the face of the principal figure
is a grotesque mask with a cross-bar ornament hanging from its mouth. The shoulders
seem to have been covered with the usual cape of flattened plates, which is almost
completely hidden by a number of other ornaments. The breastplate (coloured red)
varies considerably from the usual form. The serpents’ heads on the ends of it are of
the customary type, but instead of a stiff panel connecting them they are joined by a
conventional representation of a snake’s body, which curves downwards and encloses a
human head ornament in the loop.
Grotesque heads (themselves furnished with serpents’ heads as head-dresses) with
hands issue from the open serpents’ mouths at the ends of the breastplate.
The girdle and apron differ from the usual design only in the treatment of details.
A jagua’s skin with a fringed edge hangs from the waist. The lower part of the legs
and feet are almost entirely broken away.
Above the head of the principal figure is a large grotesque mask without a lower
jaw. There isa deep hole where the nose should be, and it seems possible that a rather
prominent nose may have been carved out of a separate stone with a tenon to fix it
into this hole. Above this large mask are three smaller masks one above the other.
The ornament which runs behind the uppermost mask and across the face of the
monument baffles description. It has been left uncoloured in the Plate: on one side
of it is the upper part of a serpent’s head with a three-lobed ornament hanging from
its upper jaw, and behind this a piece of tiger’s skin. It is possible that the scrolls
which pass behind the central mask may be meant to indicate a snake’s body, and they
appear to be attached by a disk or knot and two loops to an ornament like the halt of
a breastplate.
There remains now only to be mentioned the ornament which was probably attached
to the shoulders, and hangs down on either side of the principal figure. It first comes
into view beneath the elbows, in the form of two fringed disks or shields, and to these
are attached two entwined and feathered snakes with ornaments hanging from their
mouths; but the damage done to this part of the monument is so great that the design
has been restored (in dotted lines) principally from the shape of the scars left on the
stone where the carved surface has been broken away. ;
It was not possible to take satisfactory photographs of the whole of the back of this
monument, owing to its nearness to the steep slope of the pyramidal foundation (Plate I.
No. 16). Plate LX XXVIII. therefore gives only photographs taken from the plaster
cast, and Plate LXX XIX. drawings made after careful comparison of the cast with
a number of photographs of the original.
60 COPAN.
Attar Q. (Plates XC. to XCIII.)
[Compare Stephens’s ‘ Central America,’ vol. i. pp. 140-142.]
About 4 feet 8 inches square, and 2 feet 5 inches high.
This altar stands a few feet south of Stela P and is cut out of a single block of stone.
Plates XC. and XCI. give photographs of the four sides, and Plate XCII. a drawing
made from the cast and photographs.
The design on the sides of the monument is very similar to that on the step taken
from temple No. 11, figured on Plate VIII. In this case there are sixteen figures,
each seated cross-legged on a glyph—ten of them looking to the right and six to the
left. With the exceptions of the figures Nos. 11 and 16 (that is, the first and last of
those looking to the left), each figure holds in its hand the same object mentioned on
page 46, and which can be seen in the hands of figures in Plates VIII. and XLVI.
The object in the hand of the figure No. 11 is probably meant to represent a torch.
On the top of the altar is an inscription numbering 36 glyphs. A drawing of this
inscription and a photograph of the cast is given on Plate XCIII.
AuTaR R. (Plate XCIV., a.)
Measures 3 feet 4 inches by 2 feet 8 inches, and 1 foot 2 inches in height.
On one side of this altar a death’s head is carved in rather bold relief; on the other
three sides is a hieroglyphic inscription. ‘The top is unornamented. ‘The drawing on
Plate XCIV., a, is from the original sculpture now exhibited at the South Kensington
Museum.
Autar 8. (Plate XCIV., b.)
Measures 2 feet 1 inch by 2 feet 7 inches, and 11 inches in height.
This altar was found on the suinmit of the mound No. 29, near the site of the
modern village. The drawing of ‘the inscriptions on the four sides was made from a
plaster cast.
}
Attar T. (Plates XCV. and XCVL.)
Height from 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches.
Length of sides:—North 5 feet 8 inches, south 6 feet 3 inches, west 4 feet 5 inches,
east 4 feet 2 inches. |
This altar, which is somewhat irregular in shape, stands on what may now be called
the Village Green (see illustration on page 10). On the top of the altar is carved an
COPAN. 61
alligator’s body with outstretched limbs; the tail extends over the north side, and the
claws of the hind legs on to the east and west sides of the altar.
Figure ¢ on Plate XCY. is an attempt to draw the form of this animal on one
plane.
The teeth stand out and form a sort of fringe on either side of the head, and on the
end of the snout is a curious ornament formed of three small heads—one full face, and
the other two in profile. ‘This ornament hangs down over the south side of the altar.
The two marks in front of the eyes are probably meant for the usual nose-ornaments ;
at the back of the head are two disks with winged scrolls issuing from them. ‘The
ornaments on the wrists are of some soft material looped and knotted, and one of the
loose ends is broadened into the flower-like expansion already noticed on all four sides
of Stela N (Plates LXXVI. to LXXXII. and pages 56 & 57). Traces can just be
made out of the fish which usually accompanies this ornament. The same ornament
can be seen on the anklets, but the fish can be traced near the right foot only and ina
different position.
Double oval marks are distributed over the body, and there is a line of scales along
both sides of the body and the lower side of the limbs.
Running from the snout across the back and down the middle of the tail is a
hieroglyphic inscription, of which, unfortunately, the last three glyphs only have
escaped destruction.
Upon the upper surface of the monument are two apparently human figures seated
upon the arms of the alligator ; both figures are much weatherworn—each has what
appears to be a glyph in its hand, which is outstretched towards the alligator’s head.
Between the alligator’s arms and legs four human figures are seated in similar positions,
two on each side of the body. ‘These figures have large mask head-dresses, and carry
offerings in their hands. ‘Three out of the four offerings are obliterated, and the one
remaining is not a copy of any known glyph, but it is easy to suppose that it may be
the symbol for fire. ‘There are two figures on the north side of the monument, one
on either side of the tail of the alligator, each is seated on a glyph; the figures are
human, but in place of a human head each figure is surmounted by a glyph, which has,
however, something of a facial appearance in profile. ach figure holds a glyph, with
the numeral ‘10’ attached to it, in its outstretched hand.
The figures on the south, east, and west sides of the altar appear to form a double
series (six of them facing to the right and six to the left), after the manner of the
figures on the step in Temple No. 11 (Plate VIII.) and on Altar Q (Plates XC. to
XCIII.)
On the south side the figures are all four human, and each is seated cross-legged on
a glyph and facing inwards towards a double line of glyphs which runs from beneath
the ornament on the alligator’s snout to the base of the altar. Following the series of
figures to the east :—
No. 1 (a) has something like a moustache on the upper lip. Head covered with
62 COPAN.
turban head-dress with an inverted heart-shaped ornament on the side of it possibly
representing a tiger’s ear. A small breastplate on the chest and a long bead necklace
hanging to the waist. In the right hand is the object which has been referred to
before, and which can be seen in the hands of some of the figures in Plates VIII.,
XLVI., and XCII. It appears to be some folded or laminated substance bound
round the middle, to form a convenient handle, and is somewhat suggestive of the
Samoan orator’s fly-flap, although evidently made out of a different material.
No. 2 (a). A distinctly bearded face. The turban-like head-dress spotted as though
made of jagua-skin. The ornament over the ear probably a tiger’s foot.
The other ornaments are much the same as on No. 1, and a similar object is held in
the right hand, but with the folds or lamine more divided.
No. 3 (a) isa human figure with the head of a leaf-nosed bat. It is seated on the
ground, not on a glyph; the head-dress is worn away, but above it is what was in all
probability the figure of a small serpent.
No. 4(a). The figure is seated on the ground. ‘The face has altogether disappeared,
but the large serpent mask head-dress is in fair preservation. The figure is furnished
with a snake’s head in place of a human hand.
No. 5 (a). The figure is seated on a glyph; the body is human, but the head is that
of a jagua; from the top of the head-dress issues a complex scroll.
No. 6 (a). Is a small human figure seated cross-legged on a glyph. The head-dress
is large and turban-shaped, and resting on the flat top of it is a serpent with a long
forked tongue issuing from its mouth. There is a glyph enclosed between the
upcurved body of the snake and the flat top of the head-dress. The large scar in front
of the nose of the figure is probably caused by the breaking away of the nose ornament
and the surface of the stone around it. The upper part of the figure is clothed in a
cape covered with a network of beads, and a similar bead-ornament envelopes the
crossed legs.
The series of figures to the west is as follows :—
No. 1 (6). The figure is seated on a glyph. The face without moustache ; otherwise
as far as the ornaments can be traced they are similar to those on | (a).
No. 2 (4). The figure is seated on a glyph. No breastplate ; cape ornamented with
bead network. Turban head-dress; object held in the hand much broken.
No. 3 (4). A large bird standing on the ground, the left wing partly extended.
No. 4 (4). Figure seated on the ground, with human body and alligator’s head. A
winged scroll rises from the back of the head. Apparently hanging from the back is
the upper part of a conventional serpent’s head with a cross-barred ornament and
feathers attached to it. This ornament, as will be explained further on, is probably
the wing of the Serpent Bird.
No. 5 (0). A figure seated on the ground, with a human body and animal’s head; but
what animal it is meant to represent cannot yet be determined.
No, 6 (0). A small human figure seated on a glyph, in all respects similar to 6 (a).
COPAN. 63
Arar U. (Plates XCVITI. and XCVIII.)
Length 5 feet. Breadth 2 feet. Height 3 feet.
The front of this altar (Plate XCVII., a) is a huge grotesque face without a lower
jaw. Across the forehead is a broad band, similar in shape and ornamention to some
of the breastplates.
On each side of the altar is a serpent’s head with open mouth in which a human
figure is seated cross-legged.
On the top and back of the altar (Plate XCVIL, 4) is a hieroglyphic inscription,
and there are also two glyphs on each side of the altar above the serpents’ heads
which appear to belong to the inscription. It is of course impossible as yet to
determine the sequence of the glyphs with certainty, but on Plate XCVIII. the whole
of the inscription is drawn, and the glyphs are numbered in the order which appears
to me most likely to be correct. The glyphs on the top of the altar are much weather-
worn.
ce CRE)
Tue Serpent Birp. (Plate XCIX.)
In describing the back of Stela H (page 51) mention was made of a sort of grotesque
bird with two plumed and tasselled serpents’ heads of the conventional type in the
place of outstretched wings. It appears now to be desirable to give some other
examples of this peculiar design (which, for convenience of reference, will be called the
‘Serpent Bird’), as an appreciation of the factors composing it enables one to understand
much of the complicated ornament which is of such frequent occurrence on the
monuments.
The most essential character of the design seems to be the presence of a conventional
snake’s head (without a lower jaw) in place of, or overlying, the bony structure of the
bird’s wing.
The ‘Serpent Bird’ may of course be only another way of expressing the idea
intended to be conveyed by the ‘ Feathered Serpent,’ of which so many examples have
already been given, but the two forms appear to be sufficiently distinct to justify the
employment of different names.
On Plate XCIX. are given examples of the Serpent Bird taken from sculpture in
widely distant localities.
Fig. @ is copied from the upper part of the central slab fixed into the back wall of the
Temple of the Feathered Cross at Palenque. The wing of the bird is erect and
the serpent’s head (which is coloured red throughout the series) is inverted.
Fig. 6 from the back of Stela H at Copan (Plates LX. and LXI.) gives a front view of the
bird and shows clearly a peculiarity of frequent occurrence in the design, namely,
BIOL, CENTR.-AMER., Archieol., September 1893. k
64 COPAN.
the three sets of double tassels hanging from the serpent’s head and the sort of
curtain fringed with short feathers, which is usually (although not in this instance)
ornamented with a diagonal cross (saltire).
The large feathers of the wings are probably represented as curving round and
the tail-feathers as hanging over, in order to form the graceful rosetted feather-
edging to the monument.
Fig. ¢ is copied from part of the decoration of a wooden lintel (the original is now in
the Museum at Basle) taken from one of the Temples at Tikal. It gives a full
face view of the bird ; the serpents’ heads are inverted and the diagonal cross on
the curtain is clearly shown.
In figs. 6 & ¢ the curtain and feather-edging is coloured yellow and the tassels
blue.
Fig. d is a square of picture-writing from an Initial Series heading the hieroglyphic
inscription on the east side of Stela D at Quirigua.
Fig. e from a similar series on Monolith B at Quirigua. In both these examples the
birds vary considerably in form, but the chief characteristic of the snake’s head
on the wing remains the same although the curtain and tassels are absent.
The drawings of the picture-writing on the monuments at Quirigua were those first
attempted when materials were being collected with a view to the publication of this
book, and even with good casts and photographs to work from the task of making
intelligible copies appeared to be almost hopeless and the drawings were laid aside for
some years. Now that the serpent forms are better understood and especially that of
the Serpent Bird, it is possible to account for nearly every line of the complicated
decoration.
It is only natural to find a race dwelling in the Tropics using the brilliant plumage
of birds in personal adornment, but the frequent occurrence of the Serpent Bird appears
to indicate that that particular conventional form was invested with sacred attributes.
And the preference shown in the use of the wing of the sacred bird, especially in head-
dresses, accounts for much that is otherwise difficult to understand in the carved
ornament.
Fig. f gives the head and head-dress of one of the figures on a stone lintel from Menché,
—here a portion only of the serpent’s head can be seen ; but one tassel, the curtain,
the short feather-fringe, and the long wing-feathers form prominent features
in the design, and there can be no doubt that the wing of the Serpent Bird is the
object represented.
Figs. g, h, & @ are also examples from Copan and Quirigua of the wing of the Serpent
Bird used independently in decoration. In fig.7 the feathers are entirely omitted,
and it is only through the presence of the curtain and diagonal cross that the
connection can be inferred.
COPAN. 6d
AVESE, EOXG POE Dal EO UN, ORG. Oe
In the year 1891 (mainly, I believe, through the public-spirited enterprise of
Mr. Charles P. Bowditch) an arrangement was come to by which the Peabody Museum
of American Archeology and Ethnology of Harvard University acquired the care
of the antiquities of the Republic of Honduras for a period of ten years, with
the right of exploring ruins and taking away one-half of the objects found in the
excavations.
The first use made of this concession was to equip an expedition, which left
Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the autumn of 1891, to carry on the exploration of the
ruins of Copan. A second expedition, despatched in the following year, was marked
by the lamentable death of the leader, Mr. John G. Owens, who died of fever, and
lies buried at the ruins beside one of the great monoliths in the Plaza.
During the winter of 1893-94 I travelled in Guatemala in company with my wife * ;
and as the authorities of the Peabody Museum, owing to Mr. Owen’s death, were not
prepared to send out their annual expedition, I visited Copan as the representative of
the Museum, and we remained camped in the ruins from the Ist to the 21st March,
1894.
A record of the excellent work done by the American expeditions will be found in
the Memoirs of the Peabody Museum. One piece of work done by the Americans
cannot be too highly commended: it is the erection of a substantial stone wall
completely enclosing the principal group of ruined buildings.
In the Editorial Note to the first of the Peabody Museum Memoirs, Professor
Putnam says :—‘‘ As Mr. Maudslay had given names, with reference by letters and
figures, to the various portions of the Ruins and to prominent sculptures, the same
designations are given in this report and the accompanying plan. Additional features
have been indicated by continuing in sequence the letters and figures, thus avoiding
duplication and confusion.”
In dealing with those monuments not already numbered or lettered by me on
Plate I., or on the sketch-map on page 15, I have followed the letters and figures
given in the Peabody Museum Memoirs.
In 1894 I was'able to complete the moulds of inscriptions which were omitted from
* See «A Glimpse at Guatemala, and some Notes on the Anciont Monuments of Central America,’ by Anne
Cary Maudslay and Alfred Percival Maudslay. 4to. John Murray, London, 1899.
+ Memoirs of the Peabody Museum.—Vol. I. No.1: Prehistoric Ruins of Copan, Honduras. A Preli-
minary Report of the Explorations by the Museum, 1891-95. 48 pages: large map; illustrations in text ;
8 plates. 1896. No.6: The Hieroglyphic Stairway; Ruins of Copan. By George Byron Gordon, 88 pages;
26 illustrations in text; 18 plates. 1892.
BIOL, CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., August 1902. l
66 COPAN.
the earlier series, and to mould some inscriptions from monuments discovered by the
Peabody Museum Expeditions.
Sreta 1. (Plate C.)
Position:
Western base of Mound No. 9, facing west.
This monument was found broken and fallen, and has been replaced in an upright
position. The base of the stela was found in place by the Peabody Museum
Expedition, on the second step of the stairway forming the western slope of
Mound 9.
A circular altar with an almost obliterated inscription was lying beside the fallen
stela.
Srena 2. (Plates CI.-CII. and CIIL., a.)
Position :
Southern base of angular extension of Mound 10.
This monument had fallen, and was placed in an upright position by the Peabody
Museum Expedition. In style both the figure and inscription resemble those on
Stela P, the much-damaged Stela 3, and Stela 7.
Sreta 38, lying to the south of Mound 4, is so much destroyed that no drawings
of it have been made.
Steta 4. (Plates CIII., 6 & ¢, and CIV.)
Position:
Near the centre of the Great Plaza.
This monument is fallen and broken in pieces. Mr. Erwin Dieseldorff, who was in
Copan for some weeks in 1894, made an excavation at the base of the monument and
found the carved stone of which a drawing is given on Plate CIV.* This stone is,
* The small cruciform yaults usually found beneath the monoliths are described in the Peabody Museum
Memoirs.
COPAN, 67
without doubt, of carlier date, and is here used as a structural support without regard
to the figures and inscription carved on it. A stone with a similar design was found
by the Peabody Museum Expedition, forming part of the underground support of
Stela 5; and one of the blocks forming the steps of the hieroglyphic stairway was found
to have a fragment of the same design carved on its underside, where it could not
possibly be seen until the block of stone was moved from its place.
STELA 5, which stood near Stela 6, is fallen and broken in many pieces.
SreLa 6. (Plates CV.-CVIL.)
Position:
To the north of the path leading from the ruins to the modern village.
This is a fallen stela, which has been raised in place again by the Peabody Museum
Expedition.
Sreta 7. (Plate CVIII.)
Position:
In Copan village, west of Altar U.
This monument lies on the ground, broken. The full-length figure on the front is
much destroyed. In style this monument is similar to Stela P 2 & 3.
Sreva 8. (Plate CIX.)
Position:
To the north-west of Copan village.
One of three stones lying close together. Stela 8 has inscriptions only on the two
faces.
COPAN.
fom)
v3)
Steta 9. (Plate CX.)
Position :
Close to Stela 8.
A drawing is given of the inscription on three sides of the monument. The carving
on the fourth side was almost completely destroyed.
StetaA 10. (Plate CXI.)
Stela 10 lies fallen on the summit of a hill about two anda half miles to the west
of the ruins.
Steva 11. (Plate CXII., a-e.)
Position :
In the Passage to the south of the Eastern Court.
This small column, about 3 feet high, was discovered in 1892 by the Peabody
Museum Expedition. The figure and the inscription flattened out are given on
Plate CXII., a & 6, and the general appearance of the column in ¢, d, e.
Aurar Z. (Plates CXIL., f-7, and CXIIL., a.)
Position:
On the raised plateau between the Eastern and Western Courts.
This small altar was discovered in 1893 by the Peabody Museum Expedition.
Height 23 feet.
—__—————_+6 —_____—_
Plates CXIIL, 6, and CXIV., a-e.
Plate CXIII., b, gives a photograph of the eastern side of Mound 7, showing Altar O
(figured on Plates LXXXIV. & LXXXYV.), and another altar one side of which is
figured on Plate IX., 6, and erroneously described as an ‘“ ornament fallen from the
COPAN, 69
stairway leading up to Temple No. 11”; the opposite side is figured on page 16 and
erroneously described as “part of the face of a step from the hieroglyphic stairway.”
I am unable now to trace the origin of these errors, and have given (Plate CXIV., a-e)
a complete drawing of the four sides of the altar, and a perspective view showing the
frog-like figure which extends over part of the upper surface and over one end of
the altar.
Plate CXIIL,, e.
Gives a side view of the altar in front of Stela D, already figured on Plate XLII.
Plates CXIV., f-h, and CXV., a-c.
These photographs and drawings show the result of a careful examination of the
ground surrounding the base of the altar in front of Stela F (already figured on
Plates L. & LI. and described on page 48) and the discovery of fragments of detached
stones which completed the design.
The drawings were made from the photographs and from my notes, and are partly
restorations. ‘The colours are added merely to differentiate the two huge grotesque
faces, one on each side of the altar, from the figure of the jaguar at each end.
Plate CXIV. G 1-3.
The inscription is here given from both sides of the altar G1 (one side only was
figured on Plates LIT. and LIII.), and there is also given a drawing of all that can be
made out of the inscription on Altars G 2 and G 3.
Plates CX VI. and CXVII.
Give views taken in the great Plaza in the year 1894.
Plates CX VIII. and CXIX.
Give photographs of the four sides of Altar T, of which drawings have already been
given on Plates XCV. & XCVI.
“ M opey ae bus ti iy
Piet te gihyelgnsesid vie innit isi. é lg
Lhe ELT neh Stl wane eclt aelh dae
Herp anes Pe baslgi sehty sah Paks hee ea
i
wee im, Sea ,
a ale Lia
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN.
ARCH AZOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Vou. II.
(TE XT.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
1899-1902.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
KBD LION COURT, FLERT STREET.
CONTENTS.
ARCH OLOGY.
Vou. II.
(TE XT.)
Pages
QUIRIGUA.
Principat Notices aND DEscRIPTIONS OF THE RUINS . . 2. . - © © © « «© «@ 1
IPRPRSONALUNARRATIVIEM metic) Levers Rin UA rerun eb c CMT TSCM As coe Ui od ie Mit s ]-4
GENERAL DiscRIPTION OF THE SITE AND STRUCTURES . . . . 2. «© «© © © «© @ 4-6
DescriPtion OF STELZ AND MononitHic ANIMALS . . . 2. 2 . « « «© « « . 6-19
IXKUN.
DES CRIPTIONVORVRUINSE 2 els Oyraal ne ee lel) UNIS Use eh oN Gun een Mucins, OOD
YAXCHE.
DESCRIPTIONIORS RUINS aE or ee ee ene tei Oy One 2 20)
RABINAL.
ESCRIPTION/ORAUINS) ore ee eT eNO COS a bere inp arora ates rca y=) 74
CHACUJAL.
IDESCRIBTION OFMUUINS ee tele CoMiley Mumia rence piece Sheree une Obie otnnlas War elie a caw Beau MEPs Neat ats) 8 BC)
UTATLAN anp IXIMCHE.
WM ESCRIPTIONLOFVUENSE) safe eerie heey. Chl eat ah) eee Nan tte OOS
GUATEMALA—MIXCO. (Founpation-Movunps.)
IDESCRIPTIONVORPECUENS Ht ciray i Ne eee heehee Peay erat al Ca Bini Cup Rue ae HS Fe ES Sa OO)
MENCHE.
PERSONAL NAR RATUVIH 8) Win la bea GRIN aged acre cen NEU COR AS Ae os cee lt eV wn unordered
DETAILED ESCRIPTIONSORTIGUENSH yeh... sea al el oa aed Lect aera eer eteey Oe ige
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.
Quirieva. Partly excavated Building (ground-plan). . . . ...+ =. . - 5
Detail Drawings of ornament, StelaD . . . . . . To face page 10
YaxcHE. Plamoru emp eywicvolen i eels rei oaiieyin <titeun ive clic cyniiey i esarenvRemimcians 23
Harthenwareyeotwa ee ati seu ial can) yt insu ih stellar iekemhereum ven ee reitth etl eis 24
Planyot Mound: onvEall=tops ss.) fe\5/ +) seat) eh) kos el este eds 24
Urartan. El] Sacrificatorio. (After Stephens.) . . . . . . » ©. » « e 36
MuncHes., eBantlenware Incense-burnens)) a) us) si fey) oll nl (ots) el ce 46
Jaen)
wae To
QUIRIGUA.
PrincrpaL Notices AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE Rovrns.
I can find no notice of the ruins of Quirigua earlier than that in Stephens’s Travels *.
Stephens did not visit the ruins himself, and merely relates the account given to him
by his companion, Frederick Catherwood, who, in the year 1840, was able to make an
excursion to Quirigua whilst Stephens was absent in Salvador. Catherwood spent
only one day at the ruins and made rough sketches of two of the monoliths; but
beyond the fact that it is the earliest account of the monuments which we possess,
his description of them has no longer any particular value.
In the year 1854 Dr. Karl Scherzer made a short visit to the ruins and wrote a
description of them. He was told by the villagers that the flood in the Rio
Motagua rose to a great height in 1852, and that some of the monuments were then
overthrown. ee
PERSONAL NARRATIVE.
Early in January 1881 I arrived at Livingston, the Atlantic port of Guatemala, and
thence travelled in a very rickety steam-launch up the Rio Dulce and across the Golfo
Dulce to the village of Yzabal. Here I hired mules and rode a distance of about
eighteen miles over the Sierra de las Minas to the cattle rancho of El Mico, which is
within a mile of the village of Quirigua. After a day’s rest I set out accompanied by
some of the villagers to visit the ruins which lay buried in the forest near the left
* Incidents of Trayel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan. By John §. Stephens. John Murray :
London, 1841.
7 “Ein Besuch bei der Ruinen von Quirigua.” Karl Scherzer.
Wissenschaften, vol. xvi. Vienna, 1855.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. Il., September 1899. b
Sitzungsberichte der k. Akademie der
2 QUIRIGUA.
bank of the Rio Motagua. Starting from the rancho, which stands amongst pine-
woods six hundred feet above the sea-level, an hour’s ride brought us down to the
edge of the plain through which the river Motagua flows. Here the path ended in
some native plantations, and we then followed a track newly cut through the under-
growth by some villagers who had been sent ahead of us. The whole distance from
the rancho of El Mico to the ruins is about five and a half miles.
I was naturally anxious and expectant on this my first visit to a Central-
American ruin, but it seemed as though my curiosity would be ill satisfied, for all I
could see on arrival was what appeared to be three moss-grown stumps of dead trees
covered over with a tangle of creepers and parasitic plants, around which the under-
erowth had been cleared away for the space of a few feet. However, a closer
inspection showed that these were no tree-stumps but undoubtedly stone monuments
(A, C, D, on Plate II.). We soon pulled off the creepers, and with rough brushes,
made by tying together the midribs of the leaflets of the corosa palm, we set to work
to clear away the coating of moss.
As the curious outlines of the carved ornament gathered shape it began to dawn
upon me how much more important were these monuments, upon which I had
stumbled almost by chance, than any account I had heard of them had led me to
expect. ‘This day’s work induced me to take a permanent interest in Central-American
Archeology, and a journey which was undertaken merely to escape the rigours of
an English winter has been followed by seven expeditions from England for the
purpose of further exploration and archeological research.
On this first visit to the ruins I stayed only three days in the forest, and during that
time was able to examine and photograph five of the standing stele and two of the
great stone animals or altars; but so dense was the undergrowth, that, although we
were encamped round Stela A, it was only on the third day that I caught sight of the
monument B, which lay within a few feet of my camp-cot buried beneath the decaying
trunk of a huge tree, and wrapped round with a tangle of creepers and lianes.
J again visited Quirigua in 1882, and as some men had been sent on a week ahead
of me to fell trees and clear away undergrowth, I was able during a stay of five days
to examine all the monuments marked on the plan, with the exception of one fallen
stela.
In February 1883 I again arrived at the ruins, this time more fully equipped for the
work. My companions were Mr. Charles Blockley, a young surveyor from Belize,
Mr. L. Giuntini, from London, and the brothers Lopez, who had brought with them
twenty Indian labourers from the Vera Paz.
We commenced work early in February, which is considered to be the beginning of
the dry season, but, unluckily for our comfort, the rains continued throughout the
month and our work was carried on under the greatest difficulties. Excavations
became filled with water as soon as they were made, and no moulding could be done
QUIRIGUA. 3
until a water-tight roof had been made over the monument which was to be moulded.
At one time the flood-water covered all but a few feet of ground on which our palm-
leaf shanty had been built; everything in camp turned green with mould and mildew,
snakes and scorpions became very troublesome, and mosquitos were a continual
torment. Worst of all, the sick-list increased daily until twelve of the Indians were
down with fever at the same time, and all the sound ones ran away to their homes.
I had then to undertake a long journey to the Vera Paz, and after a tedious search
was able to engage and bring back with me another company of labourers. ‘Towards
the end of March the weather became hot and dry, and after my return to the ruins
we were able to work on without interruption until the end of the first week in May.
By that time I had secured a complete set of photographs of the monuments,
Mr. Giuntini, who had worked on steadily during my absence, had finished a plaster
mould of the Great Turtle (a mould which numbered over six hundred pieces, and had
consumed nearly two tons of plaster), and he had also moulded the most interesting
portions of two other monuments; and with the aid of my half-caste companions
I had made a paper mould of every inscription in hieroglyphics or picture-writing
which we could find in the ruins. ;
Before the last of our carefully packed cargoes of paper-moulds had reached the
port tremendous thunderstorms accompanied by heavy showers of rain were of daily
occurrence, and the mountain-track had again become an alternation of mud-hole
and watercourse, but fortunately the moulds escaped damage.
My next visit to Quirigua was in company with my wife, in the year 1894.
We had passed the winter in travelling through Guatemala, and after camping for a
month at the ruins of Copan arrived at the village of Quirigua on the 30th March.
We found the place almost deserted, the villagers having formed a new settlement on
the banks of the Motagua, about three quarters of a mile distant from the ruins.
On our way from the old to the new settlement we crossed the graded track
of the railrcad from Puerto Barrios to the capital. The rails had not yet been laid,
but the line is now, I believe, open for traffic as far as Zacapa. During the next
fortnight we lived in a small rancho on the outskirts of the new settlement, which had
been put up for our accommodation by Mr. Price (my companion at Palenque), who
had come over from Belize early in March to see to the clearing away of the dense
vegetation which again hid the monuments from sight.
I had brought with me from England drawings of the inscriptions made by
Mr. E. Lambert and Miss Annie Hunter from the plaster casts in the South Kensington
Museum, and most of my time was occupied in testing the accuracy of these drawings
by comparing them with the original carvings. Mr. Price looked after the native
workmen and laid out the lines for a careful survey of the site of the ruins, and
Gorgonio Lopez was engaged in making paper moulds of some of the sculptured stele.
On the 14th of April my wife and I had to start for Livingston, in order to catch
62
4 QUIRIGUA.
the last steamer leaving for New Orleans before the summer quarantine regulations
came into force. Mr. Price and Gorgonio accompanied us to Yzabal and then
returned to the ruins to complete the survey and moulding; but within a day or two of
their return both of them were taken so seriously ill with fever that all work had to
be abandoned, and it was with some difficulty that they were able to reach the port.
As soon as they had regained sufficient strength to travel, Gorgonio Lopez returned to
the Vera Paz and Mr. Price took ship for England. My wife was also struck down
with fever, but fortunately the malady did not develop until the day we landed in New
Orleans and were within reach of medical aid.
Owing to the unavoidable absence of proper supervision the paper moulds from
Copan and Quirigua were repacked carelessly at the Port of Yzabal, and they were
nearly all destroyed by moisture during the voyage to England.
It is much to be regretted that Mr. Price was unable to complete the survey of the
ruins, as he had already cleared away all the undergrowth, and had made a careful
examination of the mounds and terraces, but it was on the very day that he had
adjusted his theodolite and commenced the measurements that the fever struck him
and the work had to be given up. The plan on Plate II. is therefore founded on
Mr. Blockley’s survey, with such corrections and additions as Mr. Price had already
noted.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND STRUCTURES.
(Plan on Plate IT.)
The ruins stand on a level plain covered by dense forest, a little over half a mile
distant from the left bank of the Motagua River. During the rainy season the site of
the ruins must be subject to frequent inundations ; flood watercourses could be traced
in all directions, and even in the middle of the dry season the water did not entirely
disappear from the pool shown in the north-west corner of the Plan.
The level of the ground appears to have been raised since the monuments were first
placed in position, and it is now necessary to clear away soil, in some cases to the
depth of two or three feet, in order to expose the lower part of the sculpture. From
observations made during our excavations I am inclined to think that the whole site
was once paved with undressed flat stones, probably collected from the river-bed, and
that below this pavement was a thick layer of irregular rounded stones through which
the rain-water could drain away quickly.
The principal structure on the north of the plan isa long and somewhat irregular
mound with indications of terraces. It is composed of small rough stones, and no
trace of regular masonry could be detected ; but it seems probable that the slopes and
QUIRIGUA. 5
terraces were originally faced with cement, which has long since disappeared. The
eastern border of the Great Plaza, which contained all the tall stele or idols, is
formed by an irregular line of low mounds, which show no signs of having supported
stone houses.
To the south of the Plan is a complicated group of mounds, terraces, and slopes of
superior construction to those aiready mentioned.
To the north of the court of the Great Turtle stands what I should take to be the
principal Temple mound, but its ruin is so complete that no trace of a temple can now
be seen on its summit.
Partty Excavatep Buinpine on tur Norra Sipe or tue Sovutrn Court.
Seale, 10 ft.=1 inch.
NARROW LEDGE
During my visit to the ruins in the year 1883 I did not pay much attention to the
structure of the mounds, but some years later, after having been so successful with
excavations at Copan and elsewhere, I sent Gorgonio Lopez to Quirigua to see if he
could find any traces of temples or houses by digging into the tops of the mounds.
He reported that his excavations in what I have taken to be the principal temple
mound did not give satisfactory results, for no trace of walls or chambers could be
found. He was, however, more successful when digging into the mound on the
north side of the south court, for here he unearthed the chambers of a house or
temple still covered in some parts by a stone roof. The height of the walls to the
6 QUIRIGUA.
spring of the roof is about seven feet, the floor is in some parts still coated with
cement, and there are traces of a stucco facing on the walls. Gorgonio was most
fortunate in falling in with an American engineer, Mr. Walter Heston, who very
kindly returned with him to the ruins and made a plan of the building, which was
forwarded to me. ‘The building was remeasured by Mr. Price in 1894, and the
ground-plan is given on the preceding page.
There can be but little doubt that the mounds on the southern and western sides
of the south court would well repay excavation.
The slopes and steps on the east and south sides of the court of the Great Turtle
must have afforded the best examples of masonry at Quirigua; the stones are of
large size and fairly well cut, but the structure has been hopelessly ruined by the
penetrating roots of the forest trees, which have pierced every joint and forced the
stones apart.
If the plans of Copan and Quirigua are placed side by side it will be seen that there
is a striking similarity between the grouping and orientation of the structures, and this
similarity extends to the position of the monuments so far that in both cases the
bearded figures are found towards the north and the beardless figures to the south of
the plans, nearer the main masses of masonry. These beardless figures are not
necessarily those of women, as the dress and ornaments do not differ from those of the
figures on the other monuments. Moreover, there is at Copan one monument, Stela H,
which undoubtedly bears the figure of a woman clad in a woman’s dress.
The abrupt termination of our examination of these structures at Quirigua in
1894 will always be a matter of regret tome. Now, however, that the railway runs
so close to the site of the ruins, and that it is possible to superintend the work without
a prolonged encampment on the low forest ground, I trust that some traveller may be
tempted to complete the survey of the ruins. I feel sure that important discoveries
will reward the work of excavating the larger mounds.
DESCRIPTION OF STELA AND Mono.itnic ANIMALS.
«< A sample of the stone of the Great Turtle, examined in London, is described as “a
breccia composed of felspar, mica, and quartz, very absorbant, and weighing about
130 lbs. to the cubic foot.” »,
Much of the ornament on the stele at Quirigua is similar to that already described
QUIRIGUA. 7
when giving the account of the monuments at Copan. None of the faces of the
principal stele are masked, as on Stelee D and I at Copan, but, as has already been
stated, the faces on the monuments to the north of the Great Plaza (monuments
A to G) are bearded, and those to the south are beardless.
Feather-work (often in connection with the serpent-bird) is more freely used in the
decoration of the head-dresses than it is at Copan, and it can be seen in perfection on
Stela F.
The prevalence of the marks |Z) in the foreheads of the grotesque faces is also
noticeable.
In describing the monuments at Copan, I divided them for convenience into Stele
and Altars. In some instances the Altars may have been properly so called, as they are
flat-topped blocks of sculptured stone, standing in front of the upright stele, and form
suitable tables on which to place offerings. In other cases, the so-called Altars do not
stand immediately in front of the stele, and they are covered on the upper surface with
hieroglyphic inscriptions, so that it is not probable that they were used as receptacles
for offerings. At Quirigua the use of the word “ Altar” as a term by which to describe
the great blocks of stone sculptured into the forms of grotesque animals (such as B
and G, Plate II.) would be still less appropriate than its use at Copan, and in the case
of the Great Turtle (P), which is the largest of the series, the term would be altogether
inadmissible, as the shape and height of the monument preclude the idea of its having
been used as a receptacle for offerings. Although, in some papers already published,
I have extended the term “ Altar” to include these stone animals at Quirigua, they
will here be classed as “‘ monolithic animals.”
Stera A. (Plates III. to VIII.)
Height 14 feet; breadth 4 feet 6 inches; thickness 3 feet 2 inches *.
This monument faces south and stands in line with the stele C and D in front of
the mound which forms the northern boundary of the Great Plaza.
Owing to the decayed condition of the stone, the design on the pedestal which
supports the figure is somewhat obscure both on the front and on the back of the
monument; but in each case parts of the profile of a grotesque mask can be traced.
The full-faced figure on the front of the stela and its adornments is shown so clearly
in the photograph (Plate LV.) that it needs little further description. ‘The hands are
* As the monuments are irregular in shape the measurements are approximate, and nearer the mean than
the extreme.
8 QUIRIGUA.
raised to grasp the breastplate ; on each shoulder, over the cape, is a disk fringed with
tassels and ornamented with a grotesque full face; this is an ornament found on
almost all the figures of the Quirigua stele, and it can be seen most clearly on the
south face of Stela F. A grotesque mask surmounts the head of the figure, and on
either side of the scroll-work above this mask is a human face in profile, turned
outwards. The heads at the ends of the breastplate appear to be snakes’ heads with
scroll-like tongues and no lower jaws. A long scroll-ornament, which seems to issue
from the snake’s mouth, hangs down to the feet of the figure (compare Plate XLV., a).
There are apparently no ornamental bands or garters round the knee, and below the
anklets the feet are bare.
The back of the stela (Plate VIII.) is considerably larger than the front, but
unfortunately the carving is very much weather-worn. The principal figure appears
to be half man, half jaguar; the feet are certainly jaguar’s feet, and the hands are
provided with claws. The face is shown in profile, turning towards the right shoulder,
and there is some slight indication of a hafted axe in place of the pupil of the eye
(compare Plate XLVI. Glyph No. 3, and Vol. IV. Plate XXXVII.), which usually
indicates the numeral 6. On the other hand, the general appearance of the figure,
face, and ornaments bears considerable resemblance to the figure-numeral 7 in the
picture-glyph (no. 6) on the east side of Stela D (see Plate X XV. and page 10).
The left knee is bent, and the heel of the foot is raised from the ground. There
are no garters below the knee. Each anklet is decorated with a grotesque face.
The sculpture on the upper part of the stone appears to me to represent a side view of
the serpent-bird (compare Vol. IV. Plate LA XXI.), but the surface is much worn and
the design is not easily followed.
Monourrnic ANIMAL B. (Plates ITT. and IX. to XV.)
Greatest length 13 feet 4 inches; width 11 feet; height 6 feet 3 inches.
This monument is lying on three large slabs of stone, which are well shown in
Plates IX. and X. It is carved into the shape of a great dragon, with a human head,
bust, and hands issuing from the dragon’s mouth. In Plate XII., a, the two great eyes
of the dragon, with hanging eyelashes and crossed bands over the eyeballs, can be
clearly seen. ‘The upper jaw is raised so that the row of incisor teeth shows above the
grotesque mask which surmounts the human head.
On the left side of the monument (Plate IX.) both the arm and leg of the dragon
can be seen. On both the upper arm and the forearm are two squares of picture-
writing (Plate XIII.,a); at the bend of the elbow is a scroll similar to that on the
elbows and knees of the dragons at Copan and Palenque (see Vol. I. Plate LX XV. and
QUIRIGUA. 9
Vol. IV. Plates XLII. & LXVIII.). The hand is spread out towards the corner of
the dragon’s mouth. The thigh has one square of picture-writing on it (Plate XIV.
No. 4), and the lower leg two squares (Plate XIV. Nos. 5 & 6), one of them almost
completely destroyed. At the bend of the knee is a scroll similar to that on the
elbow. The foot and recurved claw are well shown in Plate IX.
On the right side of the dragon (Plate XI.) a fault in the stone seems to have
prevented the sculptor from showing the right leg, and a part of the position which it
would naturally have occupied is covered with some curious and elaborate scroll-
work (see Plate XII.,0). The square of picture-writing placed above this scroll-work
(Plate XIV. No. 13) matches the square of picture-writing on the left thigh. The
left arm and hand match the right, the arm in each case being covered with picture-
writing (Plate XIII., @ and 8).
The back of the dragon (Plate XII., 6) is covered with scroll-work, now much
weather-worn, and a broad band of six squares of picture-writing. Detail photographs
and drawings of the picture-writing are given on Plates XIII. to XV., and the squares
are numbered in what I believe to be the most probable sequence.
The drawing of this inscription has been a matter of the greatest difficulty, as the
figures are so extraordinarily contorted and complicated. Without at present going
into any further analysis of the inscription, it is desirable to point out that the figures
in the squares numbered 4 and 5, representing the “chuen” and the “day,” are both
accompanied by figures with an open hand on the lower jaw, which indicates that there
was “no count” of chuens or days, so that the figure which has been destroyed in the
square number 6 must necessarily have represented the day Ahau.
Stena C. (Plates III. and XVI. to XX.)
Height 13 feet; breadth about 4 feet ; thickness 2 feet 9 inches.
In size and general appearance this monument closely resembles Stela A. The
principal differences are :—That four glyphs form a pedestal to the figures carved on the
front and back of the monument instead of a grotesque mask. On the front of the
monument (Plate XVI.) the two faces in profile near the top are grotesque instead of
human faces. At the end of the breastplate are jaguars’ heads instead of snakes’
heads. ‘The back of the monument (Plate XX.) is broader than the front. The heel
of the right foot of the figure, instead of that of the left, is raised from the ground,
and the feet and hands are those of a human being, and not those of a jaguar.
There are no garters and the feet are bare. ‘The anklets are similar to those on
Stela A. On the upper part of the monument the serpent-bird is rather more distinct
than on Stela A.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. II., September 1899. C
10 QUIRIGUA.
Sterna D, (Plates III. and XXI. to XXVI.)
Height 19 feet 6 inches; breadth at the base about 5 feet ;
thickness 2 feet 10 inches.
The south face of this monument (Plate XXI.) is much damaged. ‘The pedestal is
in the form of a large grotesque head. Above this head stands a full-face figure
holding in the left hand a tasselled shield with a grotesque full face on it, and grasping
in the right hand what I shall term a “‘ manikin sceptre.” The stone is so much worn
that the hand and sceptre are hardly distinguishable. Fig. a, on the opposite page,
shows a clearer example of the sceptre restored from the north face of Stela HE. On
the top of the sceptre is a small grotesque figure with a winged scroll issuing from its
forehead, above the head is an ornament supporting a plume of three feathers. The
lower end of the shaft of the sceptre terminates in a serpent’s head, with three feathers
issuing from its mouth.
From the girdle hangs an apron similar to those on the Copan stele. ‘The legs
below the knee are bound with garters, to each of which is attached the usual orna-
ment of a human head. The sandals are most elaborate, and are ornamented over the
heel with a grotesque face, and over the instep with a large fringed boss,
The ornament of the head-dress is figured on the opposite page (Fig. 6). The breast-
ornament of the small upper grotesque face will be seen to be repeated in the same
position on the north face of Stela E and the south face of Stela F.
The north face of the monument (Plate XXII.) is slightly broader than the south
face, and is much the same in design. The great grotesque head on the pedestal is
furnished with scrolls, which apparently spring from the cheeks and spread over the
ears; attached to each of these scrolls is a human head with the face turned upwards.
The tasselled shield is held in the right hand of the principal figure in such a
position that only half of it is shown. The manikin sceptre in the left hand is held
across the body with the face of the manikin turned downwards. The decoration of
the head-dress is so clearly shown in the photograph that no description of it is
necessary.
The inscription on each side of the Stela (Plates XXIII. to XXVI.) is headed by
an initial series of six squares of picture-writing, the remainder of the inscription being
in the usual hieroglyphic script.
‘The Initial Series of the inscription on the east side may, I think, be read as
follows: (1) 9th Cycle; (2) 16th Katun ; (3) 15th Ahau; (4) a full count of Chuens ;
(5) a full count of Days; (6) 7 Ahau, (11) 18 Pop (second half of glyph). On the
west side: (1) 9th Cycle; (2) 16th Katun; (3) 15th Ahau; (4) 4th Chuen; (5) 17th
Day; (6) 8 Caban, (11, second half of glyph) 5 Yaxkin.
On the east side the full count of chuens and days makes the reckoning fairly easy.
On the west side the difficulty is greater ; however, the figure-numeral attached to the
To face Page 10.
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QUIRIGUA. fe
day sign in the 5th square of the picture-writing closely resembles the figure-numeral
in the 6th square of pictures on the east side, which has been found to stand for 7,
with this difference, that the head has a death’s head lower jaw in place of the living
lower jaw: this would raise the numeral by 10, so that it would represent the numeral
17; and as the count must commence on the day Ahau—and the 17th day after Ahau
is Caban—the head in the cartouche in the 6th square must represent Caban. Any
connection between this head and the usual sign for Caban is not at first evident, but
a careful examination of the cast showed that the mark on the face had not been quite
accurately drawn. As the lithograph had been printed before this discovery was made,
a redrawing of the face and of the usual sign for Caban have been added in the margin
of the Plate, and a comparison of the two will show how a trace of the Caban character
is retained (compare also glyph 18, Plate XXXII.). The dates in both the Initial
Series, as thus reckoned, will be found to agree with Mr. Goodman’s Calendars.
Steta E. (Plates XXVII. to XXXII.)
Height 25 feet; breadth (south) 5 feet, (north) 4 feet 2 inches;
thickness 3 feet 3 inches.
This monument is leaning over at a very considerable angle, and the upper (south)
face has suffered from exposure and from the continual dripping of water from the
overshadowing trees. ‘The north side, owing to the advantage of its sheltered position,
is well preserved. As we wished to make a plaster mould of a considerable portion of
this north face, it was necessary to test with care the stability of the monument.
Finally, finding that six of us could stand on the top of the monument without shaking
it, we judged that the base must be safely anchored in the ground, and that the added
weight of the plaster would not be likely to bring it down on our heads.
As it would have been dangerous to dig away the earth round the base of the
monument, we were not able to take a complete mould of the lower portion of the
sculpture. The drawing on the preceding page (Fig. c) shows the design on the south
face and part of the east and west sides of the pedestal. It represents a grotesque
mask with the mouth open and the lower jaw hanging down. From this open mouth
issues the head of a serpent-bird, whose wings pass through or beneath the lower jaw
of the mask and spread out on either side. ‘The design is further complicated by the
two sides of the lower jaw and the scrolls on the sides of the mask being turned into
secondary grotesque heads.
The portion of the grotesque mask or face which appears above ground on the north
side of the monument is clearly shown on Plate XXVIII, a. The scrolls which
2
12 QUIRIGUA.
apparently spring from the ears of this mask extend on to the sides of the pedestal,
and a drawing of this ornament, so far as it can be traced, is given in the illustration
(Fig. d). It consists of a string of grotesque faces somewhat similar to that on the
cornice of the sanctuary of the Temple of the Sun at Palenque (see Plate LXXXV.
Vol. 1V.), but in this case the string of faces seems to be doubled back on itself.
From the head-dress of the principal figure downwards, the general design on the
north and south faces of the monument may be said to be the same. In each case, a
manikin sceptre is grasped in the right hand, and a tasselled shield in the left hand.
The head-dresses of the figures, however, differ considerably. On the south face
(Plate XXVII.) the head is surmounted by two grotesque masks, above which
appear the head, arms, and hands of another figure. On the north face (Plate
XXVIII.) the head-dress consists of a single grotesque mask, above which, surrounded
by scrolls and other ornaments, is another grotesque mask of a somewhat different
form, with a breast-ornament similar to that on the upper grotesque face on the south
side of Stela D.
The head of the principal figure on the north face of the monument is the best
preserved of any found on the monuments either of Copan or Quirigua. However,
when Mr. Giuntini began to take a mould of it, he found that there was a crack right
across the base of the nose, and when he touched the nose it fell off into his hand.
The crack was evidently an old one, as the interior surfaces were discoloured, and the
nose had been adhering by a piece as big as a thumb-nail, which showed a new and
clean fracture. The nose was carefully replaced until the moulding was finished, and
then, as there was no one to whose care it could be entrusted, we compounded a
cement and stuck it on again, leaving a rope tied round the monument to keep it in
place. Iam glad to say that on returning to the ruins eleven years later I found that
our impromptu cement had proved efficacious, and, although the rope had rotted away,
the nose was safely in its place.
STeLA F. (Plates XX XIII. to XL.)
Height 24 feet; breadth 4 feet 5 inches; thickness 3 feet.
This is the most graceful and most elaborately decorated of all the Quirigua stele.
A drawing of both the north and south face of the monument is given on Plate XXXVI.
Tn each case the ornament extends from the face round the sides of the monument,
and as the complete design could not otherwise be shown, the drawing has been
made as though the whole of the ornament were carved on one flat surface only.
South face; on the pedestal is a large grotesque head or mask, and above it is the
upper part of a human figure with hands raised and the palms turned outwards ;
QUIRIGUA. 13
above this human head is a grotesque mask with the wing of a serpent-bird on either
side of it.
The human figure standing on this pedestal has the hands raised to grasp the
breastplate (as in Stele A and C), the thumb of each hand resting on the tasselled
shoulder-ornament. Round the upper arm is a band bearing a tasselled ornament
similar to that on the shoulder, but decorated with a human instead of a grotesque
full face. The head-dress is very elaborate. The head is surmounted by two grotesque
masks bordered on each side by a chain-like band which will be referred to later.
Outside this band is the frequently occurring plaited ornament with the wing of the
serpent-bird above and below (the upper wings reversed). Above the two grotesque
masks is a third grotesque head, which in this case appears to be that of the serpent-
bird with wings extended on either side of it, and probably the tail-feathers spread
out above: the ornament on its breast is like that already noted in a similar
position on the south of Stela D and the north of Stela KE. From under the ends of
this breast-ornament of the serpent-bird hang the two chain-like bands already
mentioned ; they pass behind the ears and under the hands of the principal figure, and
hang down as far as the lower band of the girdle, where each ends in a grotesque
snake’s head without a lower jaw *. In place of the lower jaw is an ornament marked
with two cross-hatched disks, and from it a plaited band with disks and tassels
hangs down to the sandal. Near the top of the monument is a fourth grotesque head
or mask with serpents’ heads on either side of it.
The north face:—On the base of the pedestal is a large death’s head, and above it
is a human head and bust with the hands placed over the breast-ornament and a head-
dress similar to that in the same position on the south pedestal. The right hand
of the principal figure is grasping a manikin sceptre, and the left hand is covered by
a tasselled shield. ‘The tasselled disk upon the band round the arm (seen best on
Plate XXXIX.,6) is ornamented with a glyph. The head-dress is much the same
as that on the north side, with the exception that the band, which comes from under
the ends of the breast-ornament of what I take to be the serpent-bird, is quite short
and ends in a grotesque head, shown in profile, just above the ears of the principal
figure. Standing on the top of this head is a small human figure (with a grotesque
head) with one arm passed round the band which it grasps in its hand.
The graceful arrangement of the feather-work on the upper part of this monument
is well worthy of notice.
* The small human face which on Plate XXXIII. shows beneath the elbow of the principal figure is one
of the three faces which are so often found attached to the girdle, and does not, as appears at first sight, issue
from the open mouth of the snake.
14 QUIRIGUA.
Monouituic AnIMAL G. (Plates XLI. to XLIV.)
Length 14 feet 6 inches; breadth 8 feet 7 inches; height in front 4 feet.
This monument is lying on a foundation of three flat stone slabs. For want of a
better name my companions in camp were accustomed to call this monument “ the
armadillo.” The arms and legs of the animal portrayed are in much the same position
as those on the dragon B, but there are no scrolls on the elbows and knees such as
are always found on the dragons. The wrists and ankles are adorned with bracelets
and anklets, and the skin is plated with flattened disks or scales. From between the
half-open jaws issues a human head, which is much weather-worn. In place of
the tail is another human head and bust with hands resting on the shoulders (see
Plate XLIII.). The back of the animal is covered with scroll-work. An inscription
is carved on both sides of the monument, which, so far as its worn condition allows,
has been copied on Plate XLIV.
Steta H. (Plate XLV., a.)
Height 17 feet ; breadth 4 feet 4 inches; thickness 3 feet.
This monument has fallen, and was found almost buried in the ground. On the
front of the pedestal is a large grotesque face, and on the side is a small human figure
seated cross-legged in a serpent’s head scroll. The figure on the upper side of the
monument is beardless; there are sandals on the feet; the hands are held up to the
chest, which is covered by a long bar-shaped breastplate, with a serpent’s head at
either end, from which issues the upper part of a grotesque-faced figure with a spear
in one hand anda shield in the other (this figure can be seen in the photograph). The
head of the principal figure is surmounted by a grotesque mask, above which is a
prominent canopy of feathers. The carving is in rather high relief and much
weather-worn. The large decorated scroll which occupies the greater part of the side
of the monument seems to issue from the serpent’s head at the end of the breast-plate
(compare similar scrolls on Stele A & C, and in Vol. IV. Palenque, Plates LX XI.
and LXXV.). The other side of the monument, which is much damaged, appears
to have been ornamented with a similar design. ‘There is no inscription.
STELA I.
This monument has fallen, and the carving of the principal figure is very much
damaged. ‘There is a clear inscription on the back of the monument commencing
with an “Initial Series,” of which a mould was made in 1894 with much difficulty, as
QUIRIGUA. 15
we were not able to turn the monument over, and the inscription could be reached
only by excavating beneath the stone.
Unfortunately this mould was one of those destroyed by damp during the voyage to
England.
Stera J. (Plate XLV., 6 & ¢, and Plate XLVI.)
Height 16 feet 6 inches; breadth 4 feet ; thickness 3 feet.
This monument lies fallen and broken. On the front is a beardless figure carved in
high relief, very much weather-worn. A manikin sceptre was held almost upright in
the right hand, and in the left hand is a tasselled shield. There are three grotesque
masks above the head and another skull-shaped mask above them. Amongst the
feather-work on the side of the head-dress is a fringed disk, to which is attached a
double pendent crnament. On the field of the disk are three raised circles. Above
the disk is a grotesque serpent’s head with a curiously shaped ornament issuing from its
widely opened mouth. On the back of the monument and on the lower half of each
of the sides is the well-preserved inscription drawn on Plate XLVI. The “heading”
of the inscription, which extends over the four columns of glyphs, has been reduced
in size and placed on the left side of the Plate. In the Initial Series the face-
numerals and signs for time-periods are separated into two columns, so that the
day-sign falls in the twelfth instead of the sixth place.
StetaA K, (Plates XLVII. to XLIX., a.)
Height 11 feet 5 inches; breadth 4 feet 7 inches; thickness 3 feet 10 inches.
This monument faces nearly east and west. When first found in 1883 about three
feet of the sculpture was buried in the ground. There is no carved pedestal. From
the squat shape of the human figure it was always known to us as “ The Dwarf.”
There is nothing in the dress or ornaments which has not been already described.
The feather canopy on the west face is rather more prominent than usual. On the
east face the ornament is somewhat damaged and weather-worn. The human face is
very well preserved, and is remarkable for the full and rounded features. The long
bar breastplate is grasped by the hands: unfortunately, the serpents’ heads at the end
of the breastplate are almost broken away; but a small grotesque head, similar to
that on Stela H, can be traced issuing from the serpent’s mouth, and a decorated scroll,
a copy in minature of that which is seen so clearly on Stela H, can also be made out,
part of it being carved in very low relief along the margin of the inscription on the
sides of the monument.
16 QUIRIGUA.
Crrcutar Attar L, (Plate XLIX., 6, and Plate L., a and 6.)
Diameter 3 feet 4 inches.
This stone has probably been moved from its original position, It is carved on one
face only and is much weather-worn. The glyphs which almost surround the seated
figure have an archaic appearance and are not easy to identify.
ALLIgAToR’s Heap M. (Plate L.)
Length about 4 feet.
This stone also has probably been moved from its original position. As the
inscription extends over the back of the head it does not appear probable that the
head was ever attached to a body, and the monument must be regarded as complete in
itself.
Monument N. (Plate LI.)
This monument, when first seen in 1883, was almost entirely covered by a tree, as
shown in the photograph. When the tree was cut down, the stone was found to be
broken in two and much mutilated. I regret that I have no detailed description of
this monument among my notes, but the general character of the design is shown in
the photograph.
Monouituic AniMAL O. (Plate LIL.)
This monument was even more completely covered by the stem of a huge tree than
that last described, and only small portions of the carved stone could be detected
between the great buttress roots (see Plate LI.,a). In 1883 we were not able to
free the monument entirely from the roots which encased it, and the photograph
(Plate LII., c) was taken eleven years later when the wood had decayed. In the
meantime much of the carved surface of the stone, which had been cracked by the
pressure of the tree’s growth, had crumbled away.
In design it bears some resemblance to that of a double-headed dragon; the
principal head, that facing south, is surrounded with a hieroglyphic inscription
QUIRIGUA. 17
arranged in somewhat the same manner as that on the great Turtle (see Plate
LIIL., 6). ‘The limbs are furnished with scrolls on the elbows and knees, similar to
those on the double-headed dragons; the armoured covering of the limbs is fashioned
into a number of grotesque masks.
The head facing the north has no inscription round it.
A drawing of the first ten glyphs of the inscription is given on Plate LIL, d,
unfortunately the remainder is much defaced.
Mownouitaic AnimMaL P. (Plates LIII. to LXIV.)
Tue Great TURTLE.
Height 7 ft. 3 in.; length 9 ft. 8 in.; breadth 11 ft. 6 in.; girth 34 ft.
This great monument, which must weigh nearly twenty tons, stands, like the other
monolithic animals, on a foundation of three large flat stones, which are not visible in
the photographs. When first found it presented a most enigmatical appearance, for it
was not until the earth had been dug away around the base that the great hands or
flippers could be seen, which proved the main design to be the representation of a
ereat turtle. The head of the animal, which faces nearly south, is surrounded by
a hieroglyphic inscription.
Above the head and in the middle of the inscription is an opening surrounded by a
scroll-border, from which peers the head of a small human figure, with hands resting on
the border. Above the inscription are some grotesque heads and an arrangement of
featherwork ornamented with discs.
The inscription extends over the front of each forearm, and on the outside of each
arm there are three cartouches containing glyphs, and a fourth cartouche can be seen
on the turn of the wrist below the elaborate bracelet. The drawing of this inscription
is given on Plate LIX. and that of the bracelets and anklets on Plate LXIV. The
hind legs are not easily made out, but on Plate LVI. a small part of the left leg can
be seen above the anklet.
Beyond the fact that the general shape of the monument can be compared to that of
a great carapace, the likeness to a turtle here ceases, the remainder of the surface of
the stone being decorated with a bewildering maze of ornament in which huge serpents’
heads appear to be the leading features.
The upper surface of the monument is shaped into a gigantic grotesque face (Plate
LVIIL., 2) with huge square eyes half covered with eyelashes, and with the pupils
marked by a glyph, which is repeated several times on the upper surface of the
monument.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeeol., Vol. LL, February 1901. d
18 QUIRIGUA.
The snout extends to the south edge (above the Turtle’s head), and on either side of
this snout three incisor teeth are visible. Above the eyes, on either side of an Ahau
sign, are two large curved teeth and indications of smaller teeth beside them, as though
to show that the huge face would have been repeated again had there been room
for it.
On each side of the monument the two leading designs are the upper part of a
huge serpent’s head and a human head in profile, hanging forehead downwards with
elaborate scrolls attached to it. These are figured respectively on Plates LX. and LXI.
The serpents’ heads are so closely overlaid with minor ornaments that it is at first
difficult to make them out. However, taking the large eye as the centre, it is possible
to trace the line of the jaw, the great teeth, the curve over the nose, and other familiar
features.
The nose is turned upwards, and is formed of a repetition of smaller serpents’ heads
(see the small sketch on Plate LX.), which extend along the base of the monument
and are somewhat difficult to follow.
All the plain surfaces are occupied by small grotesque figures which baffle description,
and must be studied in the photographs and drawings. Five of the smaller figures
(three on the sides and two on the north face of the monument) grasp in their hands
artoucl ked thus: (ell).
ecartouches marke us Cite)
The figure over the nose-curl of the serpent on the west side holds in his hand this
The human heads in profile figured on Plate LXI. have wavy hair. The scroll-work
attached to each head must be examined in the photographs and drawings, as it is
hardly possible to describe it in words.
The north face of the monument (Plate LVII.) is in the form of a serpent’s or
dragon’s head with a human figure seated cross-legged within its widely-opened jaws
(compare the dragon’s head on the Temple of the Cross at Palenque, Vol. IV. Plate
LXVIII.). The curls at the corners of the mouth are ornamented with grotesque
figures (sce Plate LXIV.) grasping the cartouch already mentioned.
The plain surfaces are decorated with cartouches containing figures or groups of
glyphs which are drawn separately on Plate LXIII.
Over the top of the upturned jaw of the dragon is an ornamental band (which appears
to pass under the head-dress of the seated figure) decorated with four grotesque masks.
This band is clearly shown in the drawing, Plate LVIII., ¢. From this band an
ornamental scroll marked with a cross-bar pattern extends towards the top and over the
QUIRIGUA. 19
sides of the monument; it can be seen in Plate LVIIL., 4, and is figured separately on
Plate LXIV.
There remains to be noticed the figure seated crossed-legged within the dragon’s
jaws. ‘The dress and’: ornaments on the body present no new features. A manikin
sceptre is grasped in the right hand and a tasselled shield in the left. The head-
dress is most elaborate. Immediately above the head is a grotesque mask with an
unusual and conspicuous forehead-mark, and the wing of a serpent bird on either side
of it. The nose of the serpent’s head belonging to this wing is covered with something
that looks like a glyph.
Above the grotesque mask are the head and hands of a small human figure, also
issuing from the open jaw of a dragon or serpent. From the mouth of this human
head issues a scroll connected with a band, which, after passing across the forehead-
mark of the grotesque mask below, is grasped by the hands of the figure and then
hangs down on each side over the wing of the serpent-bird, taking on the way the form
of an elongated serpent’s head, and ending on one side in a flower and on the other in
a conventional scroll-ornament. It seems probable that this human head and the
band hanging from its mouth have some connection with the head and water-plant
figured in Vol. IV. Plate XCIII.
Above the hands of the small human figure, and on either side of its head, is another
dragon’s or serpent’s head, whose snout ends in another grotesque head surmounted by
a bold scroll.
In the middle line, above the small human head, is a grotesque head decorated with
scroll-ornaments. >
Piate LXV. gives the Initial series or dates on the Monuments in a tabulated form.
‘The Picture-writing series on Monuments B and D are not included.
Prats LXVI. gives a view of our camp and my assistants, taken in the year 1883.
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RUINS OF IXKUN. 21
RUINS OF IXKUN’*.
(Prates LX VII.-LXIX.)
Tue ruins of Ixkun are situated in the forest country of the Province of Peten in
(approximately) lat. 16° 35’ N., and long. 89° 34’ W., about six miles from the village
of Dolores Tf.
T reached Dolores in March 1887, after a rough journey through the forest from
Cajabon; and although I had been told about Ixkun some years before by the Jefe
Politico of Peten, I was surprised to find that very few of the villagers knew of the
existence of the ruins, and it was some time before anyone could be found to guide me
to the site.
The small plain on which the ruins stand is almost surrounded by low rough
limestone hills, and although the forest is too thick to enable one to speak with
anything like certainty, I do not think the buildings extend beyond the area of the
plain. The plan of the ruins is given on Plate LXVII. It could not have been a
town of very great importance, as the buildings are small and the masonry is of an
inferior class, but the sculptured monoliths and hieroglyphic inscriptions show that it
must have belonged to a good period.
The foundations on which the buildings were raised vary in height from 5 to 50 feet,
and are composed of rough irregular blocks and slabs of soft limestone; the interstices
were probably filled up with mud, and the surface faced with cement, but the cement
facing has almost entirely disappeared, and the mud has been washed out by tropical
rains, so that now the foundations present the appearance of rough heaps of unworked
stone. At the south end of the plain is a natural hill which has been partly terraced,
and was probably ascended on the north side by a stone stairway; on the top of it are
two foundations supporting the remains of stone houses. From the foot of this hill a
sort of roadway, with the remains of a low wall on either side, runs to the principal
group of buildings, and is continued-on the other side of it to a low hill on which the
remains of a few other buildings were found.
I made an excavation on the summit of the mound marked X in the plan, that
disclosed the remains of a house or temple, of which a ground-plan is given. Only
two walls could be found, but there was almost certainly an outer chamber, which is
* Some of the following descriptions have already been printed in ‘A Glimpse at Guatemala,’ published
by John Murray, 1899.
+ By an unfortunate oversight ithe ruins of Ixkun are placed in the map (Plate I. Vol. IT.) about twelve
miles too far towards the N.N.W.
22 RUINS OF IXKUN.
shown in dotted lines. Near the middle doorway a rough unworked slab of stone was
lying, which had probably served as a lintel. The doorway in the back wall had been
blocked up after the house was built. The walls still standing are about five feet high,
and, from the position of the stone lintel above the blocked-up doorway, I should
estimate the original height of the walls at a little over six feet. The cement floor of
the house is still in fair condition, and there are traces of a cement-covered platform
which ran round the outside of it. Some fragments of rough pottery were found inside
the house. No roofing-stones of the type used in Copan, ‘Tikal, and the other great
ruins could be found, and I am inclined to think that the very narrow chambers were
roofed with flat slabs, and some slabs which would have answered the purpose were
found among the debris. There are several carved monoliths which formerly stood on
the level ground in front of the buildings, but most of them are overturned and partly
destroyed. The only one in a good state of preservation is marked * in the Plan.
Tt is an upright stone measuring 12 feet 6 inches in height, 5 feet 10 inches in breadth,
and about 1 foot 6 inches in thickness. It is carved on the east side only (see
Plates LXVIII. & LXIX.). A circular disk-like stone about 12 feet in diameter is
lying in front of the monument.
The carving on the monument represents two Maya priests or chieftains, with
elaborate head-dresses and ornaments, standing facing each other above a hieroglyphic
inscription, which commences with what I have called an “ Initial Sequence,” which
Mr. Goodman has proved to be a date. In the lower panels are two unadorned
crouching human figures, with their necks and arms bound with ropes, evidently meant
to represent prisoners trodden under foot by the two gorgeously arrayed figures standing
above them. The marked difference in physiognomy between the Mayas and their
captives is clearly shown, and this monument may celebrate the conquest of the
aboriginal inhabitants of the land or the defeat of some of those barbarous invaders
from the north whom some writers believe to have finally caused the overthrow of the
Maya civilization. It is also worth noting that the Mayas carry only ornamented
staves in their hands and make no show of weapons of war. In one of the other partly
destroyed monuments a figure is represented carrying in his hand one of the ‘‘ manikin
sceptres,” of which so many examples occur on the sculptures at Quirigua.
bo
(Sh)
RUINS NEAR YAXCHE.
RUINS NEAR YAXCHE.
A Few miles to the north of Ixkun the forest gives way to an open savanna country
studded with innumerable low, timber-covered hills, and here, about two miles to the
N.W. of the little hamlet of Yaxché, on the thickly wooded banks of a streamlet which
runs to join the Rio San Juan, we found a ruined town of considerable size. As no
signs of sculptured stones could be discovered among the foundation-mounds, we did
not attempt to clear away the thick undergrowth, but turned our attention to two
conical hills of natural formation standing up conspicuously about eight hundred
yards apart on either side of the stream. Both hills were overgrown with grass, and
each was crowned with a mound which we thought must contain the remains of a
building. We set to work to dig into the mound on the summit of the southern hill,
and, as we expected, unearthed the remains of a small building facing north. The
walls were in some parts perfect to the height of six feet, and they appear to have
been built separately (as indicated by the shading in the Plan). The entrance-passage
and interior of the chamber were lined with small well- s u =
wrought blocks of stone, but the material is so soft that LMI
it could easily be cut with a knife. The floor had a LLL Y UM f KK f
covering of cement, which was in good condition, and &s S
the outside of the walls appear to have had a thick NS
coating of the same material. A stone lintel and a few RSS
slabs, which may have been used for roofing, and some
fragments of rough pottery were met with in digging
out the debris. Along the back of the chamber was
a raised bench about two feet high, and in the face of a
it was a niche about twenty inches by eighteen, which Pew ones
was much smoke-stained and had probably been used
for burning offerings of copal. We also dug into the mound on the summit of the
Wij
MLUE
24 RUINS NEAR YAXCHE.
northern hill, and with some difficulty were able to trace the walls of a building which
must have closely resembled its companion facing it on the opposite side of the valley.
On the broken floor of the chamber we discovered portions of three earthen pots and
some fragments of a good-sized stucco figure. We were able to piece together two
fragments of a well-modelled face, which must have been about ten inches in breadth,
and to ascertain that the eyes had been made of obsidian.
Almost all round the ruined town there are numberless limestone hills between
fifty and three hundred feet in height, and at the top
of nearly every one of them are foundation-mounds
or tumuli. In some cases these foundations are
merely outlined in rough stones, in others they
are flat oblong mounds, which may have supported
buildings of a perishable material. A common
arrangement of the remains on these hilltops is given
in the accompanying sketch. I opened one set thus
arranged. The mound A had probably supported a
small “‘cue” or shrine; a terrace ran in front of it,
which was reached by a short flight of steps. The
total height of the mound was about sixteen feet,
and the level space on the top of it did not measure
more than six feet by four. We dug a trench right
through this mound, and found traces of interments
and broken pottery within a few feet of the top, and
below this nothing but a mass of rough stones
and earth. B, C, and D may have been the | H
foundations of small houses, but they also served as Re x z (i
places of sepulture, as we found in them traces of 4 =
bones and broken pottery. The four smaller mounds Q iy
$3) 4
were tombs only. The vessels buried with the , (==>)
bodies appear to have consisted of a flat dish and a
round pot. The body was probably seated with its knees doubled up, for we found
the fragments of bones all close together, and portions of the skull in the midst of
them. In one instance the skull, or rather the earthen impression of it, was actually
resting in the dish and the bones lying around it, as though the body had been seated
in the dish, and as the skeleton had decayed the skull had sunk down through them.
We found three or four chipped stone lance-heads, a good deal of unworked fiint, but
only two obsidian flakes. There were also a few pieces of mealing-stones and a
considerable number of potsherds showing traces of yellow and black and red
colouring. A little trickling stream at the foot of the hills had evidently formed
part of the water-supply of the ancient inhabitants, for it was enclosed by a wall
forming an irregular oval about twenty-five by forty feet. On the level ground
RUINS NEAR RABINAL. 25
between the hills we found several round holes about eighteen inches in diameter,
faced with plaster or stone, forming the mouths of small underground chambers,
which may have been intended for storage, or possibly were used for vapour-baths.
RUINS NEAR RABINAL
(Puates LXX. & LXXT.)
THE two towns of Cubulco and Rabinal in the province of the Baja Vera Paz are
situated about twelve miles apart at either end of a plain surrounded by high ranges
of hills. Lower hills run out into the plain from north and south, and almost divide
it in two near the middle, and spurs of the high range and partly detached hills jut
out into the plain from all sides. Many of these lower hill-tops are the sites of
ancient Indian buildings, and on one of them, to the north of the town of Rabinal,
the ruins are visible from the town itself. I rode through this valley in 1887, but
unfortunately was able to devote one day only to the examination of the Indian
remains. I chose as the object of my excursion a group of ruined buildings almost
equidistant from Rabinal and Cubulco.
A spur of the bare rocky foothills, rising to over one thousand feet in height, here
juts out into the plain from the main northern range, and for about three quarters of
a mile along its top ridge stands the ruins of an Indian town. A rough sketch
of the position of the groups of buildings is given on Plate LXX. At the narrow
neck where the spur leaves the main range there are the remains of two curved walls
about fifty yards apart, which were no doubt used for defensive purposes. Outside
these walls towards the main range there is one group of buildings marked A. On
leaving this group and crossing the walls to follow the ridge towards the south, the
top and slopes of the hill, for about one hundred feet down on either side, are seen to
be covered with the small terraced foundations which may have supported very small
houses built of some perishable material, or may possibly be the sites of burial-places.
These terraces, some of which can be seen on Plate LXXL, a, are sometimes oblong,
measuring 20-30 feet in length by 6-7 feet in width; but more often they are
of this shape :—
—
and they stand out from the hill thus :—
Along the ridge of the hill there are seven separate groups of what must have been
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IL., February 1901. é
26 RUINS NEAR RABINAL.
public buildings, each group arranged on nearly the same plan so as to enclose a level
plaza. It seems to me most probable that here we have an example of the villages
“of not more than six houses, standing a gunshot apart,” mentioned by Las Casas,
and that it was the inhabitants of the houses on these hill-tops whom he had so much
difficulty in persuading to leave their homes and form the settlement at Rabinal.
The general arrangement of the buildings in each group is as follows :—One large
house extends right across the hill-top bounding the northern side of the Plaza: this
house faces the south, and as there are no openings in the back wall, the access to
the Plaza from the north must have been just on the fall of the hill at each end
of the house. Numerous doorways opened on to a flight of stone steps on the south
side. A house similar in plan, but somewhat smaller, stood on the southern side
of the Plaza and faced north, and there were usually the remains of some smaller
houses facing inwards on the east and west sides of the Plazas. Almost equidistant
between the north and south houses, in the centre of each Plaza, stood what I take
to be the remains of a temple, facing northwards, and between this and the northern
house stood an altar which was apparently a copy in miniature of the foundation of
the temple. On Plate LXXI. is given a view of one of the groups of buildings and
a photograph of a temple.
I took some measurements of the buildings in the group marked E on the top of
the western spur. The arrangement differed somewhat from that of the other groups,
the Plaza being double and there being no houses along the sides, or it may be that
the houses were small and that all trace of them has been swept away. The house
No. 1 (see plan, Group E) was by far the largest, measuring 156 feet 7 inches in
length and 21 feet 6 inches in breadth. It was approached by a flight of steps
divided into six divisions by projecting buttresses. Hight masonry piers supported
the roof in front, the wall being continuous at the sides and back of the house. The
wall is still standing in some parts to the height of 6 feet. A raised bench
6 feet 6 inches in width runs along the back and sides of the house. Such a building
must necessarily have been roofed with wood ; and I may add that nowhere did I find
any traces of stones which could have been used for purposes of roofing.
A ground-plan and elevation of the building, which I take to be a temple, is also
given on Plate LXX. Two stairways with very narrow steps rise between buttresses
on both north and south sides of the building and a single stairway on the east and
west ; but the approach is from the north side only, and the platform round the
temple on the other three sides is little more than a foot wide. The height of this
platform from the ground is 10 feet 10 inches. The temple has three doorways on
the north side, and the walls are still standing to the height of 5 feet. All the temples
face north except No. 2 in Group E, which faced towards the south. ‘The temples are
all built on the same plan, but differ in size, some being considerably larger than that
here figured.
RUINS NEAR RABINAL. 27
The altars were apparently miniature copies of the foundations of the temples, with
steps only 3 or 4 inches in height and width; but no trace of a miniature house could
be seen on the top of them. ‘The masonry is all of the same description: irregular
flat stones 2 to 5 inches thick and straight at one edge, placed one over another and
faced with plaster. The stones may have been found already apart from each other,
or may have been flaked off from the rock with little trouble, and have needed little
dressing. The thick plaster coating is in some places still perfectly preserved.
From the position chosen, and from the fact that the buildings face inwards, it seems
probable that each group may have formed a sort of fortress.
In one of the Plazas I found the remains of a building, of which a rough ground-
plan is here given :—
It is an oblong enclosure with walls 10 feet thick, with recesses at the four
corners. ‘The walls are in some parts perfect to the height of 7 feet. I could not
find that there had been originally any doorway to this enclosure, but two entrances
have been forced in where the walls are narrowest. It agrees in plan and dimensions
with the building figured in Bancroft’s ‘ Native Races of the Pacific States,’ as a type
of Tlachtli courts of Mexico, where a game (which is described by Herrera and others)
was played with an indiarubber ball.
There were numbers of Chaya (obsidian) flakes lying about on the surface of the
ground, and I found one chipped arrow-head, one stone axe, and several pieces of stone
axes and of mealing-stones.
An examination of the ruins of the neighbouring hill-tops would doubtless add
much to our knowledge, and there still remains as a field for enquiry the whole of the
forest-covered range of the Sierra de las Minas, which has not as yet been touched by
the archeologist, and must almost certainly contain interesting ruins. The assertion
is not mere guess-work, but is based on the fact that similar ruins are known to exist
on the hills above San Gerénimo, and that I believe I gained touch of the same style
of building at the ruins of Chacujal on the south side of the valley of the Polochic,
which was a flourishing town when Cortés visited it in the year 1525; it is not
probable that the country between these sites was left uninhabited.
e2
28 CHACUJAL,
CHACUJAL
Durine the years 1524-25 Cortés made his wonderful march from Mexico to
Honduras, forcing his way through the swamps of the Tabasco delta and crossing the
base of the peninsula of Yucatan. It was not until he arrived at the mouth of the
Rio Dulce on the Atlantic coast of Guatemala that he got into touch with the Spaniards
of whom he had come in search. The first of his countrymen whom he met with were
forty men and twenty women belonging to the party under the command of Gil Gonzales
de Avila. ‘These unfortunate people were even ina more pitiable condition than his own
half-starved followers. Expeditions had at once to be despatched into the surrounding
country in search of food, but they proved singularly unsuccessful until Cortés himself
took the matter in hand. In a “brigantine” and boats belonging to Gonzales’s men
he set out with a party of forty Spaniards and fifty Indians, ascended the Rio Dulce,
and landed on the south side of the great lake, probably somewhere to the east of the
site of Yzabal. Leaving his boats in charge of a guard, Cortés and his followers
pushed on during the next few days across the spurs of the Sierra de las Minas and
crossed the innumerable streams which score the mountain sides, finding, as he says,
the path so rough and steep that they had to make use of both hands and feet in
climbing. Some villages were met with on the way, but at the approach of the
Spaniards the natives fled to the forest, and the Spaniards found no stores of food—
indeed, they barely obtained enough to supply their immediate wants.
In his letter to the King, Cortés writes:—‘‘ Having asked some of the Indian
prisoners whether they knew of any other village in the vicinity where dry maize could
be obtained they answered me that they knew of one called Chacujal, a very populous
and ancient one, where all manner of provisions might be found in abundance.”
The Spaniards reached the neighbourhood of this village at sunset, and Cortés made
his arrangements to take it by surprise on the following morning. To quote his own
words :—‘‘ I had laid down on some straw, in order to rest, when one of the scouts
came to me, and said that by the road communicating with the village he saw a body
of armed men coming down upon us; but that they marched without any order or
precaution, speaking to each other, and as if they were ignorant of our being on their
passage. I immediately summoned my men up, and made them arm themselves as
quickly and noiselessly as they could; but as the distance between the village and the
place where we had encamped was so short, before we were ready to meet them the
Indians discovered the scouts, and letting fly on them a volley of their arrows began
to retreat towards their village, fighting all the time with those of my men who were
foremost. In this manner we entered the village mixed up with them; but the night
being dark, the Indians suddenly disappeared in the streets, and we could find no
enemies. Fearing some ambush, and suspecting that the people of the village
CHACUJAL. 29
had been somehow informed of our arrival, I gave orders to my men to keep well
together, and marching through the place, arrived at a great square, where they had
their mosques and houses of worship; and as we saw the mosques and the buildings
round them just in the manner and form of those of Cultia, we were more overawed
and astonished than we had been hitherto, since nowhere since we left Aculan had we
seen such signs of policy and power..... We passed that night on watch, and on the
following morning sent out several parties of men to explore the village, which was
well designed, the houses well built and close to each other. We found in them
plenty of cotton, woven or raw, much linen of Indian manufacture and of the best
kind, great quantities of dried maize, cacao, beans, peppers and salt, many fowls, and
pheasants in cages, partridges, and dogs of the species they keep for eating, and which
are very tasteful to the palate, and in short every variety of food in such abundance,
that had our ship and boats been near at hand, we might easily have loaded enough of
it to last us for many a day; but unfortunately we were twenty leagues off, had no
means of carrying provisions except on the backs of men, and we were all of us in such
a condition that, had we not refreshed ourselves a little at that place, and rested for
some days, I doubt much whether we should have been able to return to our boats.”
The Indians, however, did not return to their town, and Cortés was left in peace to
build rafts on which to convey the grain he had captured, and after an adventurous
passage down the Rio Polochic he rejoined the brigantine in the Golfo Dulce and
carried the much-needed supplies to his half-starved companions.
In 1882, when camped at Quirigua, I sent one of my men up the Rio Polochic to
make enquiries for the ruins of Chacujal, pointing out to him the localities in which
the ruins were most likely to be found. On his return he told me that he could hear
nothing whatever of any place named Chacujal, but that there was a ruin known as
Pueblo Viejo on the Rio Tinaja, on the south side of the Polochic a few miles from
Panzos. This situation answers so exactly to the requirements of the description given
by Cortés that there can be little doubt that we had found the ruins of the town called
by him Chacujdl, In 1884 I was able to make a hurried visit to the ruins myself, and
found a number of foundations surmounted by low walls and a buttressed temple
mound, somewhat similar to those in the neighbourhood of Rabinal already described.
I could find no trace of sculptured stones or inscriptions. As the whole site was
covered with a dense jungle it was not possible to make any plan of the ruins
during the few hours at my disposal; however, I saw quite enough to convince me
that, although the plan of the town had been carefully laid out, the buildings were
of no great importance and in no way comparable to those at Copan or Palenque.
Yet this is the town which Cortés compares to Cultia in Mexico, and deems to
be of greater importance than any town he had seen since leaving Acala, a statement
which goes far to prove that Cortés and his followers had met with none of the great
centres of Maya art during their wonderful march.
30 UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE.
I was not successful in connecting these ruins on the Rio Tinaja with the
name of Chacujal, until one of my canoemen whom I was questioning on the subject,
after repeating the name several times, exclaimed ‘“‘Chaki-jal, that is what the
Indians of these parts (the Quekchis) call the ripe corn”; and the origin of the name
was at once evident.
UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE
(PLATES LXXII. & LXXIII.)
At the time of Alvarado’s entry into Guatemala in February 1524, the tableland
round about the modern towns of Santa Cruz del Quiché and Quezaltenango was
occupied by the Quiché Indians, who had their capital at Utatlan, close to Santa Cruz.
The Cachiquels held the land to the east of the Quichés, and their capital, Patinamit
or Iximché, stood near the modern town of Tecpan Guatemala, and is called by
Alvarado the “City of Guatemala.” The Tzutuhils, a less powerful tribe, appear to
have held the land on the east and south shores of the lake of Atitlan, and probably
had their headquarters on the site of the present Indian village of Atitlan. All three
tribes spoke languages of (what is known as) the Maya-Quiché stock, a family of
languages which extends over the whole peninsula of Yucatan, through the greater
part of Guatemala, and parts of Tabasco and Chiapas. The confederation of these
three tribes or nations—Quichés, Cachiquels, and Tzutuhils—is sometimes spoken of
as the Quiché-Cachiquel Empire; but whether it was ever a united empire, as we
understand the term, is somewhat doubtful, while it is quite certain that at the time
of the Spanish invasion all three tribes were at enmity one with another.
It is sometimes assumed that these people had attained a high degree of civilization,
and were especially advanced in the art of building; but this assumption I believe
to be mainly due to the grossly exaggerated descriptions of their towns given by the
early Spanish historians, and unfortunately there are no other written records to which
we can refer on these points.
Of the three aboriginal MSS. still extant, not one (so far as I know) has been
attributed to the Quichés or Cachiquels, and no carved inscriptions have been found
amongst the ruins of their towns; but a few glyphs painted on pottery which is
ascribed to them would lead one to suppose that they made use of the Maya script.
Of late years two documents have been discovered which have gained for these people
some literary reputation—the ‘ Popul-Vuh,’ or sacred book of the Quichés, and the
UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE, 31
‘Chronicles’ of the Cachiquels: the fact that they are written in Roman characters
shows that the transcription at least is of recent date; but whilst they are of undoubted
interest with regard to mythology and traditional history, they afford no guide to the
then prevailing state of civilization.
After making due allowance for the inaccuracies of the available descriptions, it may
undoubtedly be conceded that at the time of the Spanish conquest the Quichés and
Cachiquels lived in organized communities and that they were fairly proficient in
the arts, without attempting to exhalt their culture to the same level with that
of the builders of Palenque or Copan, or the great towns in Yucatan. For their
history since the Spanish invasion we must turn to the earliest accounts of them left to
us by their conquerors.
Alvarado left Mexico in December 1523, with an army of 120 horsemen, and 40 led
horses, 300 infantry, of whom 130 were crossbowmen and arquebusiers, four pieces
of artillery, and some thousands of picked Indian warriors. He passed over the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and marched on through the province of Soconusco, fighting
a battle near Tonala, and on the 11th April he addressed a despatch from Utatlan to
his great Captain Hernando Cortés, who was then in Mexico, as follows :—
“Sefior, from Soconusco I wrote to your Highness all that had happened to me as
far as that place, and said something of what I looked to find ahead of me. And after
I had sent my messengers to this country to inform the people that I was coming to
conquer and pacify certain provinces which were unwilling to place themselves under
the dominion of His Majesty, I begged help and assistance from them as vassals (for as
such they had offered themselves to your Highness begging favour and aid for their
country) and said that if they gave their assistance in the way they ought to do as good
and loyal vassals of His Majesty, they would be well treated by me and the Spaniards
in my company; and if not, I would make war on them as against traitors rebelling
and fighting against the dominion of our Lord the Emperor, and as such they would
be treated, and in addition to this, that we would make slaves of all taken alive in the
war. And having done all this and despatched the messengers, who were men of their
own people, I reviewed all my people, both foot and horse, and the next day, on the
morning of Saturday, I set out in search of their land, and after marching for three
days through uninhabited forest, we pitched our camp, and the scouts whom I had sent
out captured three spies from a town in this land named Zapotitlin. I asked them
what they came for, and they told me that they were collecting honey, but it was
notorious that they were spies. .. .”
Alvarado had so far been marching through the tropical forest on the Pacific slope ;
now that he wished to turn inland and reach the plateau he found the path barred by
a great host of Indians. A battle was fought at Zapotitlin, and the victorious
Spaniards rested for two days in that town. Then Alvarado led his army up the
Cuesta de Santa Maria to the high land, and at the top of the pass, near the town of
Xelahti or Quezaltenango, another great battle was fought with the Quiché warriors.
32 UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE.
Again the Indians were defeated, and Alvarado entered the deserted town. In a short
time his army was again on the march, and for a third and last time the despairing
Indians offered battle; but, as usual, the Spaniards carried all before them, and the
carnage amongst the Indians is described as fearful, ‘The victorious army continued
its march towards Utatlan, the capital of the Quichés; but Alvarado shall tell the tale
in his own words :—
«And when the chiefs of this town found that their people were defeated they took
counsel with all the land and called many other provinces to them and gave tribute to
their enemies and induced them to join them, so that all might come together and kill
us. And they agreed to send and tell us that they had wished to be friends, and that
again they gaye obedience to our Lord the Emperor, so that I should enter the city of
Utatlan, where they afterwards brought me, thinking that I would camp there, and
that when thus encamped, they would set fire to the town in the night and burn us all
in it, without the possibility of resistance. And in truth their evil plan would have
come to pass but that God our Lord did not see good that these infidels should be
victorious over us, for this city is very strong, and there are only two ways of entering
it, one over thirty steep stone steps, and the other by a causeway made by hand, some
part of which was already cut away, so that that night they might finish cutting it, and
no horse could then have escaped into the country. As the city is very closely built
and the streets very narrow we could not have escaped suffocation or falling down
headlong in fleeing from the fire. And as we rode up, and I could see how large the
fort was, and that within it one could not avail oneself of the horsemen because the
streets were so narrow and walled in, I determined at once to clear out of it on to
the plain, although the chiefs of the town asked me not to do so, and invited me
to seat myself and eat before I departed, so as to gain time to carry out their plans.
But I knew the danger in which we were, and sent some men ahead of me to take
possession of the causeway and bridge, so that I could get out on to the plain, and the
causeway was already in such a condition that one could hardly get over it on
horseback, and outside the city were many warriors, and as they saw me pass out on to
the plain, they retreated somewhat, so that I did not receive much harm from them.
Then I concealed my real intentions so that I might capture the chiefs who were
taking to flight, and by the cunning with which I approached them, and through the
present which I gave them the better to carry out my plan, I took them captive and
held them prisoners in my camp. But, nevertheless, their people did not cease
fighting against me in the neighbourhood and killed and wounded many Indians who
had gone out to cut grass. And one Spaniard who was cutting grass a gunshot from
the camp was slain by a stone rolled down the hill. This land is very full of gulleys,
there are gulleys two hundred fathoms in depth, and on account of them one cannot
carry on war and punish these people as they deserve. And seeing that by fire and
sword I might bring these people to the service of his Majesty, I determined to burn
UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE. 33
the chiefs, and they themselves said at the time that they wished to be burnt, as
appears in their confessions (where they say that they were those who had declared
and made the war against me and wished to burn me in the city; and it was with this
intention that they brought me to the city, and that they had ordered their vassals not
to come and give obedience to our Lord the Emperor, nor help us nor do anything else
that was right). And as I knew them to have such a bad disposition towards the
service of his Majesty, and to insure the good and peace of this land, I burnt them
and sent to burn the town and to destroy it, for it is a very strong and dangerous place,
that more resembles a robbers’ stronghold than a city. And to enable me to hunt
out these people I sent to the city of Guatemala, which is ten leagues distant from this
place, and ordered them on the part of his Majesty to send me some warriors (and
this I did so that I could find out what their disposition was, as well as to strike terror
into the land), and they were well disposed towards me and agreed to do so, and sent
me four thousand men, and with these men and those that were already with me, I
made an expedition and overran the whole of the country. And seeing the damages
which they had suffered they sent me messengers to tell me that now they wished to
be good, and that if they had erred it had been at the order of their chiefs, and that
whilst their chiefs had been living they dared not do otherwise, but as now their chiefs
were dead they prayed me to pardon them, and I spared their lives, and ordered them
to return to their houses and live as they had done formerly ; and this they did, and at
the present time I have them in the same condition as they were formerly, but at the
service of his Majesty. And for greater security I chose out two sons of the chiefs,
whom I placed in their fathers’ position, and I believe that they will carry out faithfully
all that tends to the service of his Majesty and the good of his lands. And as far as
touches the war I have nothing more at present to relate, but that all the prisoners of
war were branded and made slaves, of whom I gave his Majesty's fifth part to the
treasurer Baltasar de Mendoza, which he sold by public auction, so that the payment
to his Majesty should be secure.
«I would wish your Excellency to know that the country is healthy and the climate
temperate, that there are many strong towns, and that this city is well built and
wonderfully strong, and has much cornland and many people subject to it, the which,
with all the subject towns and neighbourhoods, I have placed under the yoke and in
the service of the royal crown of his Majesty.”
Alvarado then marched to Iximché, or Guatemala, as he calls it, and was received in
a most friendly manner by the Cachiquels: ‘‘ we could not have been treated better in
our fathers’ houses,” he writes to Cortés. After a few days’ rest he joined his hosts
in an expedition against the Tzutuhils, who were easily conquered.
Alvarado had now subdued two of the strong tribes of the country, and was in
alliance with the third, so was free to continue his march; and after a most arduous
journey and frequent collisions with other and less important Indian tribes he succeeded
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol,, Vol. IL, February 1991. if
AN
34 UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE.
in reaching Cuzcatlan, a town in what is now the Republic of Salvador. By the month
of July he was back again in Iximché, and the ceremony then took place of founding
there the city of Santiago as the capital of Guatemala, but before building was
commenced a new site had been chosen for the capital at the foot of the Volcan de
Agua and Iximché was abandoned.
Interesting as Alvarado’s letters are in showing us his method of procedure in
dealing with the Indians and the nature of the resistance he met with, they give us
very little information about the natives themselves, the way in which they lived, or
the culture to which they had attained. For these particulars it has been usual to
rely upon later writings, and especially on the ‘ History of Guatemala,’ written between
1808 and 1818 by Domingo Juarros, who, in his turn, relies for much of his information
on the ‘Recordacion Florida,’ a manuscript account of the kingdom of Guatemala
written, in 1690, by Francisco Antonio Fuentes y Guzman, and still preserved in the
city of Guatemala.
The following description of Utatlan is taken from Baily’s translation of Juarros :—
“The history of this place is singular, as it was once the large and opulent city of
Utatlan, the court of the native kings of Quiché, and indubitably the most sumptuous
that was discovered by the Spaniards in this country. That indefatigable writer
Francisco de Fuentes, the historian, who went to Quiché for the purpose of collecting
information, partly from the antiquities of the place, and partly from manuscripts, has
given a tolerably good description of this capital. It stood nearly in the situation that
Santa Cruz now occupies, and it is presumable that the latter was one of its suburbs ;
it was surrounded by a deep ravine that formed a natural fosse, leaving only two very
narrow roads as entrances to the city, both of which were so well defended by the
castle of Resguardo, as to render it impregnable. The centre of the city was occupied
by the royal palace, which was surrounded by the houses of the nobility; the
extremities were inhabited by the plebeians. ‘The streets were very narrow, but the
place was so populous as to enable the king to draw from it alone no less than 72,000
combatants, to oppose the progress of the Spaniards. It contained many very
sumptuous edifices, the most superb of them was a seminary, where between 5000 and
6000 children were educated ; they were all maintained and provided for at the charge
of the royal treasury; their instruction was superintended by 70 masters and professors.
The castle of the Atalaya was a remarkable structure, which being raised four stories
high, was capable of furnishing quarters for a very strong garrison. The castle of
Resguardo was not inferior to the other ; it extended 188 paces in front, 230 in depth,
and was 5 stories high. The grand alcazar, or palace of the kings of Quiché,
surpassed every other edifice, and, in the opinion of Torquemada, it could compete in
opulence with that of Moctesuma in Mexico, or that of the Incas in Cuzco. The front
of this building extended from east to west 376 geometrical paces, and in depth 728 ;
it was constructed of hewn stone of different colours; its form was elegant, and
UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE. 35
altogether most magnificent: there were 6 principal divisions, the first contained
lodgings for a numerous troop of lancers, archers, and other well-disciplined troops,
constituting the royal body-guard; the second was destined to the accommodation of
the princes and relations of the king, who dwelt in it and were served with regal
splendour, as long as they remained unmarried; the third was appropriated to the use
of the king, and contained distinct suites of apartments, for the mornings, evenings,
and nights. In one of the saloons stood the throne, under four canopies of plumage,
the ascent to it was by several steps; in this part of the palace were, the treasury, the
tribunals of the judges, the armory, the gardens, aviaries, and menageries, with all the
requisite offices appending to each department. ‘The 4th and Sth divisions were
occupied by the queens and royal concubines; they were necessarily of great extent,
from the immense number of apartments requisite for the accommodation of so many
females, who were all maintained in a style of sumptuous magnificence; gardens for
their recreation, baths, and proper places for breeding geese, that were kept for the
sole purpose of furnishing feathers, with which hangings, coverings, and other similar
ornamental articles, were made. Contiguous to this division was the sixth and last;
this was the residence of the king’s daughters and other females of the blood royal,
where they were educated, and attended in a manner suitable to their rank. The
nation of the Quichés, or Tultecas, extended its empire over the greatest portion of the
present kingdom of Guatemala; and, on the authority of the manuscripts mentioned
above (which were composed by some of the Caciques, who first acquired the art of
writing), it is related that from Tanuh, who commanded them, and conducted them
from the old to the new continent, down to Tecum Umam, who reigned at the period
when the Spaniards arrived, there was a line of 20 monarchs.”
To show how far these statements can be relied on, it will now be worth while to
pass in review the remains of Utatlan as they can be seen at the present day. I visited
both Utatlan and Iximché in January 1887, and made surveys of the sites (see
Plates LXXIL & LXXIIL.). Utatlan lies about two miles to the W.S.W. of the
modern town of Santa Cruz de] Quiché. On the left of the track from the town, just
before reaching the great barranca, there is a natural mound, the sides of which have
been terraced, and on the top is a more or less level space measuring 200 by 150 feet.
Within this space are several mounds surrounding a level plaza. A reference to the
plan will show that two of the mounds are nearly square at the base, and these
probably supported small “‘cues” or temples; the other two mounds are longer, and
may have supported long houses. If these houses were built of stone with stone roofs
they probably contained two parallel corridors or rooms not more than 9 feet wide and
200 feet long, divided off by transverse partitions into smaller chambers. If the lower
part only were built of stone and the upper part of the walls and the roof were of
wood and thatch, then the breadth of the houses may have been 20 to 25 feet, as no
longitudinal partition-wall would have been needed. At the present time no traces of
f2
ole)
6 UTATLAN AND IXIMCHE.
house or temple walls are to be seen, and the stone facings have even been stripped oft
the foundation-mounds, for the whole group of ruined buildings has long been treated
as a quarry by the people of Santa Cruz. ‘There can be no doubt that this group of
mounds represents the guard-house or Castle of Resguardo; but it is quite clear from
the plan that the buildings were of the same nature as those found throughout the
country, and they stand grouped together in the usual manner. The position they
occupy is a naturally strong one, and would offer great facilities for defence, but there
is nothing especially characteristic of a fortress about the buildings themselves.
After leaving this hill a walk of about two hundred yards brings one to the edge of
the barranca and to the narrow natural causeway by which alone the city or
stronghold. of Utatlan could be approached. On crossing this narrow bridge one finds
oneself on a fairly level space of ground about eighteen acres in extent, with almost
precipitous sides, over which one can look down to the bottom of the barranca four
hundred feet below.
Scale of Feet
zo 20 JO
Nearly the whole area affords some trace of ruined buildings, but almost all the
stonework has been stripped from the foundations, and the buildings which stood on
them have altogether disappeared. Stephens, who visited the ruins in 1840, gives the
following account of the principal temple:—‘The most important part remaining of
these ruins is that which appears in the engraving, and which is called ‘ El Sacrifica-
torio, or the place of sacrifice. It is a quadrangular stone structure, sixty-six feet on
each side at the base, and rising in a pyramidal form to a height, in its present
condition, of thirty-three feet. On three sides there is a range of steps in the middle,
cach step seventeen inches high, and but eight inches on the upper surface, which
makes the range so steep that in descending some caution is necessary. At the corners
are four buttresses of cut stone, diminishing in size from the line of the square, and
UTATLAN AND IXIMOHE, 37
apparently intended to support the structure. On the side facing the west there are
no steps, but the surface is smooth and covered with stucco, grey from long exposure.
By breaking a little at the corners, we saw that there were different layers of stucco,
doubtless put on at different times, and all had been ornamented with painted figures,
In one place we made out the body of a leopard, well drawn and coloured.
‘The top of the Sacrificatorio is broken and ruined, but there is no doubt that it
once supported an altar. ... It was barely large enough for the altar and officiating
priests and the Idol to whom the sacrifice was offered.”
I have reproduced Catherwood’s sketch and plan which accompanies this description ;
the scale given on the plan does not agree with the description, and unfortunately I
did not take any detailed measurements of the mound in its present ruined condition ;
but in any case it is clear that the building was a small one. The sides of the long
mounds, which are just indicated in my plan, are perpendicular, and these foundations
may have supported stone-roofed buildings, in which case we know that the chambers
could not have been more than nine feet wide, and even on the larger mounds there
would not have been room for more than two of such chambers side by side. ‘The
small fragment of a stone-vaulted roof in the remains of a half-buried chamber shows
that the Quichés understood the art of building stone roofs. But, to judge from
Alvarado’s statement that it was the intention of the Indians to set fire to the town
and burn or smother him and his followers, there can be little doubt that some of the
houses must have been built of inflammable material, probably of wood and thatch.
But amongst these small and distinct foundation-mounds where is the Palace to be
found?
The absurdity of Fuentes’s oft-copied description at once becomes evident.
According to the measurements he gives, the Palace alone would occupy nearly
three times the whole space available for building, and with the seminary, the
gardens, and the aquatic fowl must be relegated to a dreamland suffused with the
afterglow of Oriental splendour from which the Spanish chronicler was so ready to
seek inspiration.
It is hardly worth while to compare the account of Iximché given by Fuentes and
Juarros with the facts revealed by an examination of the ruins (Plate LXXIII.); it
would be to a great extent a repetition of what has already been said with regard to
Uiatlan. The sites were similar: both were peninsulas almost surrounded by deep
barrancas, and approachable only by a single neck of land, and each was guarded on
the outer edge of the barranca by a girdle of “atalayas” or watch-towers, which were
most probably small truncated pyramids supporting a cue or shrine which served for
the religious use of the outlying population. The bird’s-eye view given on Plate LX XII.
is taken from Fuentes’s MSS.
All the tribes or nations whom the Spaniards encountered in the subjugation of
Gaatemala and its neighbourhood appear to have had as their headquarters such
38 FOUNDATION-MOUNDS BETWEEN THE
strongholds as Utatlan and Iximché, or towns built on rocky islands in the lakes.
Such was the stronghold in the lake of the Lacandones and the island town of
Puchutla, described in the pages of Remesal, which was conquered in the year 1559.
Such, too, was the island of Tayasal in the Lake of Peten, the headquarters of the
Itzas, captured in 1697, and with these may be classed the ruins on the hill-top at
Uspantan and the curious groups of temples and houses which crown the ridges of the
hills round the valley of Rabinal. None of them appear to have possessed walls and
bastions such as we are accustomed to associate with fortresses; but all were placed
in naturally strong positions, and were easily defensible, and their existence tends to
the conclusion that the condition of society was one of continual intertribal warfare.
None of the sites of these strongholds have yielded any examples of the carved
hieroglyphic inscriptions, highly ornamented stone buildings, or elaborately-sculptured
monolithic monuments which are to be found at Copan, Quirigua, or Palenque; and
it cannot be too strongly insisted on that between the civilization revealed to us by
those great ruins and the culture of the Indian tribes conquered by the Spaniards there
is a great gap which at present we have no means of bridging.
FOUNDATION=MOUNDS BETWEEN
THE CITY OF GUATEMALA AND MIXCO,
(PLates LXXIV. & LXXYV.)
On the plain to the west of the city of Guatemala, between the city and the village of
Mixco, are the remains of an ancient Indian town extending over more than a square
mile. The plain is now under cultivation and has probably been so for a great number
of years, and the plough has rounded off the edges of the higher foundation-mounds,
and some of the lower mounds have been almost entirely worn away. ‘The plan
(Plate LXXIV.) gives only the principal groups of mounds, and those to the south-
west are not very accurately plotted.
The surface of the ground is strewn with potsherds, some pieces showing traces
of colour, and with chips and flakes of obsidian. I found one stone axe, and one
fragment of a pottery head very well moulded.
‘There are also to be found lying in front of Sefior Arevalo’s house some fragments
CITY OF GUATEMALA AND MIXCO. 39
of stone frogs, about nine inches long, very rudely carved, and many pieces of mealing-
stones and rollers.
The two squat stone figures now placed on either side of the gateway leading to
Sefior Arevalo’s house (Plate LXXV., a) were found in the neighbourhood of the
mounds, and a similar figure, now much mutilated, stands by the roadside near the
entrance to the city.
The mounds themselves are composed of earth, and even where cuttings had been
made into them I could see no trace of stonework. However, Sefior Arevalo, whose
house is built on the top of one of the mounds, and whose farm-land extends for some
distance among them, told me that he had dug out a good many stones from the
interior of the mounds, and he showed me some which he had used in building his
stables. These stones were of a volcanic rock, well faced and measuring about
3 feet x 1 foot x 6 inches. One of them had the head of an animal cut on it in low
relief.
There are still some mounds on the east side of the Barranca within the suburbs of
the city of Guatemala, and it is probable that others were destroyed when the city
itself was built.
BIOL, CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IL., August 1902. g
40 RUINS OF MENCHE.
RUINS OF MENCHE
PeERSONAL NARRATIVE.
In the year 1882 I travelled through the forest from Coban, in the Alta Vera Paz, to
Peten, and thence, on the 14th March, I started in a canoe from the Paso Real, in
company with Mr. Schulte, the Manager of Messrs. Jamet and Sastrés, Mahogany
Cutters, on an expedition down the Rio de la Pasion, my object being to reach the
ruins of Menché. I had heard of these ruins from Professor Rockstroh, of the
Instituto Nacional in Guatemala, who had visited them the year before, and was, I
believe, the first European to write any description of them. At the Paso Real I was
fortunately able to secure as guide one of the canoemen who had accompanied
Professor Rockstroh on his expedition.
Three days later I parted company with Mr. Schulte near the mouth of the
Rio Lacandon, where he was about to establish a new ‘“‘ Monteria.” ‘The banks of
the river here begin to lose their monotonous appearance, and, for the first time since
leaving the Paso Real, we caught sight of some hills in the distance. At mid-day we
entered a gorge about a league in length, where the river flows between high rocky
and wooded banks, and in some places the stream narrowed to a width of forty feet.
The current was not very swift, but the surface of the water moved in great oily-
looking swirls which seemed to indicate a great depth. Below the narrows the river
widens very considerably and the current becomes much more rapid, and great care
had to be taken in guiding the canoes so as to avoid the numerous rocks and snags.
This day we travelled about thirty miles below the Boca del Cerro, and then camped
for the night. Several times during the day we had seen traces of the “ Lacandones,”
“* Jicaques,” or * Caribes,” as my men called them (the untamed Indians who inhabit
the forests between Chiapas and Peten), and while stopping to examine one of their
canoes, which we found hauled up on a sand-spit, its owner, accompanied by a woman
and child, came out of the forest to meet us. The man was an uncouth-looking
fellow, with sturdy limbs, long black hair, very strongly marked features, prominent
nose, thick lips, and complexion about the tint of that of my half-caste canoemen.
He was clothed in a single long brown garment of roughly-woven material, which
looked like sacking, splashed over with blots of some red dye. The man showed no
signs of fear, and readily entered into conversation with one of my men who spoke
the Maya language, but the woman kept at a distance and I could not get a good
look at her.
Later in the day we landed to visit a “ caribal,” or Indian village, which my guide
RUINS OF MENCHE. Al
told me stood somewhere near the river-bank. There was no trace of it, however,
near the river, so we followed a narrow path into the forest, marked by two jaguars’
skulls stuck on poles, and here and there by some sticks laid across the track, over
which the Indians had probably dragged their small canoes. About two miles distant
from the river we found three houses standing in a clearing near the bank of a small
stream. A woman came out to meet us, and received us most courteously, asking us
to rest in a small shed. Her dress was a single sack-like garment, similar to that
worn by the man we had met earlier in the day; her straight black hair fell loose over
her shoulders, and round her neck hung strings of brown seeds interspersed with
beads and silver coins, dollars and half-dollars, which she said were obtained in
Tabasco. Two other women came out of their houses to greet us, and they told us
that all the men were away hunting for wild cacao in the forest, and would not
return for five days. The walls of the houses were very low, but in other respects
they resembled the ordinary ranchos of the civilized Indians. I asked if I might look
into one of them, but my mozos strongly advised me not to make the attempt, as the
numerous howling dogs shut up inside were savage and were sure to attack me.
The clearing round the houses was planted with maize, plantains, chillies, tobacco,
gourds, tomatoes, calabash-trees, and cotton. We exchanged a little salt for some
plantains, yams, and tomatoes without any haggling, and the women agreed to make
me some totoposte, which I was to send for in a few days, and one of them, pointing
to a silver dollar on her necklace, said they wanted a coin like that in payment.
I was surprised to find the women so pleasant-mannered and free from the dull
shyness which characterizes the civilized Indians. On my return up the river some
days later I again visited the ‘“caribal,” and was received with equal courtesy by the
men, who had then returned from the forest, to whom I repeated my request to see the
inside of one of their houses; however, a very rapid glance was sufficient to satisfy my
curiosity, for as soon as I showed myself at the half-open door seven or eight dogs tied
to the wall-posts nearly brought down the house in their efforts to get at me, and two
of them were with difficulty prevented by the women from breaking the cords which
held them.
Some especial significance must attach to the wearing of the brown-seed necklaces,
for no offers which I could make would induce either man or woman to part with one
of them. I was much impressed by the striking likeness which the features of the
elder man, who appeared to be the leader of the village, bore to those carved in stone
at Palenque and Menché. The extremely sloping forehead was not quite so noticeable
in the younger men, and it may be that the custom of binding back the forehead in
infancy, which undoubtedly obtained among the ancients, is being now abandoned.
These people still use bows and stone-tipped arrows, which they carry with them
wrapped in a sheet of bark.
After visiting the “caribal” we continued our course down-stream, and camped for
g2
42 RUINS OF MENCHE.
the night on the right bank of the river; the next morning an hour’s paddle with the
very rapid current brought us in sight of a mound of stones piled up on the left bank
of the river (see Plate LXXVIIL., a), which we had been told marked the site of
the ruins.
On the 18th March, the day of my arrival, the water in the river was so low that
the mound stood high and dry; but from the colour and marks on the stones it
appears as though the average height of the water was two or three feet from the top
of the mound. We soon scrambled up the rough river-bank and began to cut our way
through the undergrowth in search of the ancient buildings, which we found on
a succession of terraces rising in all about 250 feet from the river. After clearing
away some of the vegetation which enshrouded it. 1 took up my quarters in the
Temple marked K on the plan, and remained in the ruins until the 26th March.
On the morning of the 20th three of my men were sent in a canoe up-stream to the
“caribal” to get the supply of totoposte I had ordered from the Lacandones; they
returned the next day without much food, but handed me something they had brought
with them carefully wrapped up in paper, which, much to my surprise, proved to be a
card from M. Desiré Charnay, the head of a Franco-American scientific exploring
expedition, who for two years had been at work examining the antiquities of Mexico
and Yucatan. M. Charnay had come up the Usumacinta from Frontera to the head
of the navigable water at Tenosique, and had thence ridden through the forest to a
spot on the river-bank within a short distance of the ‘“caribal” already described,
known to the canoemen as the Paso de Yalchilan. Having no canoes in which
to convey his party down the river, he had been brought to a halt and was making
arrangements for the passage of himself and his secretary in two small cayucos
borrowed from the Lacandones when, to his great surprise, my canoe appeared
on the scene. ‘The next day I sent my canoes back for him, and, leaving his
men camped at Yalchilan, he arrived at the ruins with his secretary, and occupied
a house, H, which we had cleared for him, and he very kindly added his ample
supply of provisions to my somewhat meagre stock.
M. Charnay has published an interesting account of his journeys in a book entitled
‘I.es Anciennes Villes du Nouveau Monde,’ and the collection of casts made from
moulds taken during his two years’ wanderings, which is now exhibited at the
‘Trocadero Museum in Paris, and in other museums in Europe and America, has
formed the basis of much modern research.
In one of the half-ruined buildings we found a beautifully-carved lintel fallen from
‘its place and resting face downwards aguinst the side of the doorway. ‘This excellent
example of Maya art I determined to carry home with me, and at once set my men to
work to reduce the weight of the stone, which must have exceeded half a ton, by
cutting off the undecorated ends of the slab and reducing it in thickness. This was
RUINS OF MENCHE. 43
no easy matter, as we had not come provided with tools for such work; but shift was
made with the end of a broken pickaxe and some carpenter’s chisels. By keeping
mozos at work at it three at a time in continued rotation, by the end of a week
the weight of the stone had been reduced by half, and we were able to move it
to the river-bank and pack it in the bottom of our largest canoe. On the
26th of March we struck our camp, and all started up the river together, and
on the following day, at the Paso de Yalchilan, I lost the pleasant companionship of
M. Charnay, who had rejoined his men and returned direct to Tenosique. It was very
hard hauling the canoe, heavily ladened with the stone lintel, against the swift current
of the river, and we were four days getting as far as the mouth of the Rio Lacandon.
On the 50th March we reached the first inhabited rancho at Santa Rosa, and the next
day I met Mr. Schulte at the mouth of the Rio Salinas and accepted a passage in his
canoe to the Paso Real, leaving the mozos and my heavily-laden canoes to follow more
slowly. On the way up-stream, we landed on the left bank of the river not far from
the mouth of the Rio Salinas, and passed a few hours in examining the ruins of a town
of considerable extent. I could find no stone houses standing, but there were several
fragments of sculptured stones bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions lying amongst the
numerous foundation-mounds, and the whole site would probably repay careful
exploration.
From the Paso Real the stone lintel was carried by Indians to Sacluc, where I
purchased a saw from one of the wood-cutters, and was again able slightly to reduce
the weight of the stone. From Sacluc it was hauled across the Savannah to the
neighbourhood of Flores on a solid-wheeled ox-cart, the solitary wheeled vehicle then
existing in the province of Peten ; then it was again slung on a strong pole and carried
by 16 Indian mozos through the forest to the British frontier village of El Cayo, where
it was again packed in the bottom of a canoe and sent down the river to Belize. It
now rests at Bloomsbury in the British Museum.
At the time of my visit Menché was supposed to lie within the Guatemalan frontier,
and a few years later leave was obtained for me from the Government of that Republic
to remove some other carved lintels from the ruins. Gorgonio Lopez and his brothers
were sent down the river for this purpose, and after making careful moulds of all the
carved lintels still in position in the houses, they removed some others from those
houses which had fallen into ruins; these they packed in the canoes and hauled up the
Usumacinta to the mouth of the Rio Salinas. ‘hat stream was then ascended toa
point above the Nueve Cerros, where canoe-navigation ends, and the stones were
then carried overland to Coban, were they were carefully packed and sent in carts to
the port of Panzos, on the Rio Polochic, for shipment to England.
I presented these sculptures also to the National Collection, and they are now to be
seen at the British Museum.
44 RUINS OF MENCHE.
By a recent treaty Menché and the valley of the Lacandon River have passed into
the possession of Mexico.
Since the date of my visit a party of mahogany-cutters formed a camp on the ruins,
but at the end of two years the “‘monteria” was abandoned, and the ancient city is
again left in the solitude of the forest.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ReINs,
The plan on Plate LX XVI. must not be regarded as more than a rough sketch. I
had no instruments with me for measuring vertical angles; the distances were judged
by pacing, and checked by the occasional use of a tape measure.
Traces of buildings could be detected for a distance of at least 150 yards to the east
of those shown on the plan.
The houses marked on the plan with a definite outline are still in a fair state of
preservation, but when the outline is left indefinite the buildings have fallen and are
mere heaps of broken masonry. Both stone and wooden lintels had been used, but the
wooden beams had completely disappeared. ‘The first line of buildings stood about 60
feet above the level of the river at the time of my visit.
The ground-plan of House A is given on Plate LXXVII. There had been wooden
lintels over the doorways. ‘The inner chamber appears to have been used as a burial-
place. ‘The remains of a stone superstructure could be traced on the roof, similar to
that shown in the photograph of Temple K (Plates XC., 6, & XCI.), and this form of
structural ornament was probably used in many of the other buildings which are now
in ruins.
Houses B, C, and D had stone lintels over the doorways, some of them ornamented
with carving. ‘Those in House B are still in position, although the roof has fallen and
the chambers are completely blocked up.
House D is wholly ruined, and the two lintels figured on Plates LKXIX. & LXXX.
were dug up out of the fallen masonry.
At the back of this first line of houses are two pyramidal foundation-mounds, At
the west end of the line a stone-faced slope rises to a small level plaza. On the south
side of this plaza are the remains of a house, on the west side is a pyramidal foundation-
mound, and on the north side there is an oblong mound with three flat-topped circular
stones in front of it. The stones were probably used as altars and are of frequent
occurrence in the ruins.
Between the front line of houses and the houses marked E, F, and G, there is a rise
in the ground marked by a stone-faced slope, and the principal approach to the
RUINS OF MENCHE. 45
buildings on the higher levels appears to have been between F and G, where the stair-
ways are clearly marked. At the eastern end of the slope are three fallen stele, carved
in low relief on one side, and some circular altars, all much damaged.
A ground-plan of as much as could be made out of House E, without removing the
fallen masonry, is given on Plate LXXVII., and photographs of the lintels of this
house are given on Plates LXKXXI. & LXXXII.
The lintels of House F were almost completely buried at the time of my visit; they
were dug out the following year by Gorgonio Lopez, and are now in the British Museum
(see Plates LX XXIII, LXXXIV., & LXXXV.).
House G is almost completely ruined. Photographs and drawings of two carved
lintels from this house are given on Plates LXXXVI., LKXXVII., LXXXVIIL, &
LXXXIX. It is the lintel figured on Plate LX X XVI. which I removed at the time of
my visit. It had fallen from its original position face downwards, and the carving on
the under surface was fortunately uninjured, but the hieroglyphic inscription which
had been carved along the outer side had been destroyed. On the lintel over the next
doorway this outer inscription was well preserved, and is shown on Plate LXXXIX.
A ground-plan of House H is given on Plate LXXVII. It was in this house that
M. Charnay and his assistant took up their quarters. A photograph of the exterior of
the house is given on Plate XC., a. Two circular altars stood in front of the house.
There are niches in the outer wall between the doorways, probably for the reception of
stucco figures. ‘The door-lintels are not ornamented. The upper part of the outer wall
had been decorated in a manner which will be described when dealing with Temple K.
The back of the house seemed to be built into the slope of the hill. Leading down
from the outer chamber are two passages with steps communicating with an inner and
lower chamber which appeared to have been used for interments. The house contained
some raised stone benches.
A ground-plan of House J is given on Plate LXXVII. The stone lintels are not
ornamented. ‘The four houses to the westward on the same level as House J do not
present any marked features of interest; the two ou raised foundations are almost
completely ruined, the other-two have undecorated stone lintels.
Temple K (Plates XC., 0, to XCIV.) is the building in which I lived during my stay
at the ruins. A ground-plan is given on Plate LXXVII. It isa long narrow structure
73 feet in length and 17 feet broad, and the height from the ground to the top of the
superstructure is about 42 feet. Each of the three doorways has a stone lintel carved
in rather low relief (see Plates XCII. to XCIV.). The outer surface of the wall up to
the projecting cornice showed no sign of sculptured decoration, but it had evidently
been covered with a coating of coloured plaster. Above the projecting cornice the front
of the building had been elaborately decorated, but the sides and back appear to have
been left without ornament.
On the frieze, between the two cornices (see Plates XC., 0, & XCI.), there are three
46 RUINS OF MENCHE.
larger and eight smaller niches or recesses in the stonework. The larger niches have
each held a seated human figure moulded in stucco over a sort of rubble skeleton, and
the cight smaller niches probably held similar figures of smaller size.
The best-preserved of the rubble skeletons is to be seen in the middle of the super-
structure above the frieze. Here the figure was of heroic size; the rubble body can
easily be seen (Plate XCI., a) resting on the stone bench on which the figure was
seated, with the two long stones on which the left leg was moulded still in place.
The square hole in the body formerly held the long stone which pinned the figure
against the wall. The rough outline of the head and the position of the feather head-
dress can be seen in the photograph, and close inspection showed the projecting stone
on which the nose had been moulded.
‘The superstructure itself, which now resembles a pigeon-house, is hollow, and
appears to have been used merely as a support for stucco ornament, of which only
slight traces now remain.
‘The interior of the temple is divided into chambers and recesses by a number of
interior buttresses. In the recess almost opposite to the middle doorway there was a
stone figure, more than life-size, seated cross-legged, the hands resting on the knees.
The head with its head-dress of grotesque masks and plumes was broken off and lying
beside the body. From the number of fragments of ornamental plaster-work which,
together with rubbish and broken pottery, choked up the recess, it seems probable that
some sort of ornamental plaster canopy had formerly occupied the upper part of the
recess.
A large number of rough pottery bowls decorated with grotesque heads had been
placed round the figures, and similar bowls were
to be found in most of the other buildings:
nearly ail contained some half-burnt copal, and,
from the position in which they were found, it is
quite clear that they must have been placed
there after the buildings had been partly ruined,
. and there can be little doubt that they are made
- and brought there by the Lacandon Indians, who
are said still to hold the place in reverence.
At the back of Temple K there are two ruined houses and two pyramidal mounds,
and beyond them again are traces of terraces and one long house ; but of these remains
I had no time to make a careful examination.
To the west of the town is a triangular hill with stone-faced slopes on the north and
east and rough ground to the west. On the flat top of this hill are the remains of
several buildings, of which the houses marked L and M had stone lintels. Photographs
of those lintels which were sufficiently well-preserved are given on Plates XCY. to
XCVII.
RUINS OF MENCHE. 47
The inscription, of which a photograph and drawing are given on Plate XCVIIL, is on
the outer side of a stone lintel, but I am unfortunately unable to say from which house
it was taken. The original stone is one of those removed from the ruins by Gorgonio
Lopez and his brothers which were repacked in Coban for transmission to England.
However, by some mistake this particular stone was put into the wrong case and sent
to the Museum at Berlin, where I have allowed it to remain. The photograph on
Plate XCVIII. is from a cast kindly sent to me by the Curator of the Berlin Museum.
The inscription is particularly interesting, as it contains the only Initial Series found
at Menché.
COOOO
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. II., August 1902. h
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCHA,0LOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Vor. III.
(EXT)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY,
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
1895-1902.
FLAMMAM.,.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
CONTENTS.
ARCHEOLOGY.
Vou. IIT.
(TE XT.)
Pages
CHICHEN ITZA.
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Principat Notices AND DrscRIPTIONS OF THE Ruins . . . . . 2 «© 6 se ew 5-9
GENERAL DEscRIPTION OF THE SITE OF THE RUINS . . .. ... . « « « « IO-T2
Deraitep DescrRiPTION OF THE RUINS . . . . . - «© «© «+ «© «© «© «© « « « 13-43
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Description o¥ TEMPLES AND MONUMENTS . ..». . « «© «© «© «© « © « « « 46-50
ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT.
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Ruined) Churchvatpeistepacauscee rn iin cuaseiy ein tse ee chin ol Dia) ua Mt Min (eltinis)eronnnrs ance 10
PIRES ENGh ARGS AoE SHU oi MCAD eR Geos a eed, LavoiNta\aee Sataiak Mbaed Sov oiLtl Cape (PLAT ayo) faite coly alee 13
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Waves
Tzamat.
CHICHEN ITZA.
PrersonNAL NARRATIVE.
Towarps the end of the year 1888 I journeyed by way of New York and Havana to
Progreso, the chief port of Yucatan, and on Christmas eve arrived in the City of
Merida. Here I passed a month, in much discomfort, waiting for the arrival of my
heavy baggage from England, and for the letters which had been promised to me from
the Government authorities in Mexico.
The vessel with the baggage met with such heavy weather in the Gulf that she
passed Progreso without attempting to land cargo, and went on for a trip round the
other Gulf ports, returning finally to Progreso about a fortnight late.
During this time I was able to make a flying visit to Mr. Thompson, the American
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. III., July 1899. b
2 CHICHEN ITZA.
Consul, who was engaged on a most thorough examination of the ruins at Labna, and
also to spend one day at the great ruins of Uxmal. Then followed the usual delay in
passing the baggage through the Custom-House, although orders had come from
Mexico that all my stores should be entered free of duty; but delay and waste of time
seem to be inevitable as soon as one sets foot on Spanish-American soil. At the end
of a month I was heartily tired of Merida, and was delighted to turn my back on it.
I was able to travel along the new railroad as far as Cacalchen and carry with me as
thuch of my baggage as had come to hand. Unluckily this did not include the
moulding-paper, which, despite telegrams and letters, was delayed for a month or
more in Havana, and at last arrived half destroyed by salt water.
I was now breaking what was to me completely new ground, none of my old
companions who assisted me at Copan and elsewhere were with me, and the attempt
to employ a half-caste, as successor to Gorgonio Lopes, proved a complete failure.
At Izamal I was most hospitably received by Mr. Gaumer, an American doctor,
who had long been a collector of natural-history specimens for the ‘ Biologia.’ Here
waggons were engaged to convey my baggage to ’Citas, the nearest village to Chichén
Itza on the main road to Valladolid, and I myself drove on to Valladolid to present
letters to the local authorities and arrange for a supply of labourers.
The journey was made in a volan coché, which is the only kind of conveyance used
in the country. It is a two-wheeled covered cart, without springs, and with the body
suspended on leather straps; a mattress is placed on the bottom for the traveller to
lie on, but this does not afford much protection against the heavy jolting over the very
rough roads.
On my return to Citas I engaged horses and men to carry the baggage, and leaving
the main road travelled about twelve miles through the woods to the small village of
Pisté, two miles distant from the ruins of Chichén.
This village was totally abandoned after the Indian raid in 1847, and is only now
becoming repopulated; before the raid it must have contained over thirty houses and
a fair-sized church.
I arrived at Pisté on the 6th February, and from that time onwards until the 2nd
July, with the exception of about a fortnight spent in visits to Valladolid and Izamal
trying to arrange for a better supply of labourers, I was continuously at work at
the ruins,
Until a very few years ago Yucatan was a most out-of-the-way corner of the world;
it had little commercial intercourse with other countries and was seldom visited by
travellers. The Spanish families, most of them large landowners, formed an exclusive
aristocracy with complete control over the Indians, who were then, as indeed they are
now, in a state of villenage, or, more accurately, “adscripti glebe.” Although this
condition of villenage is not likely to be in accordance with the laws of the Mexican
Republic, it is strictly enforced by local custom, and in Yucatan, as well as in the
CHICHEN ITZA. 3
Central-American republics, a moneyless debtor can be forced to give his services to his
creditor until the debt has been worked off. Such debts are transferable, and a creditor
is allowed to sell his claim to a third party, who thus becomes in turn entitled to the
debtor's services. Under these circumstances it can be easily understood that free
Indian labourers are scarce in the land.
The only important export from the country is the “Sisal hemp” of commerce, and
the principal industry is the cultivation of the henequen (Agave rigida) and the prepa-
ration of the “hemp” from the fibre of its leaves. It was found profitable to raise
henequen when the selling-price of the fibre was half a dollar the arroba of twenty-five
pounds. A few years ago a great change commenced; principally owing to the
failure of the hemp-crop in Manila, partly to the great increase in the demand for
twine used in the reaping and binding machines when harvesting the huge wheat-crop
of the Western States, the “hemp” steadily rose in value until, during my stay in the
country, it was sold for $3. c.36 the arroba. As the cost of production was only
very slightly raised, the landowners suddenly found themselves wealthy, business rapidly
increased, and the capital was overrun by commercial travellers and agents of foreign
firms.
There was naturally a great demand for field-labourers, but the Indian, tied to the
soil and usually deeply in debt to his master, reaped little benefit from the change.
As I had need of many hands to clear the large extent of ground covered by the ruins,
I could not have arrived at a more unfortunate time, so far as labour was concerned.
However, as Chichén Itza lay far away from the henequen district, I trusted that
my strong recommendations from the Mexican Government would ensure me sufficient
assistance from the local authorities, who always have a number of Indian soldiers
under their orders, chiefly employed as labourers. I began work with the few hands
I could collect in the village of Pisté, and as these men returned to their homes about
four o'clock every day, I was for some time left to pass the nights camped alone in the
ruins. ‘Then, under arrangement with the Comandante at Valladolid, small parties
of Indian soldiers were sent for a week at a time to work at the ruins—I of course
paying their wages—and for a few weeks twenty to thirty men may have been working
in this way; gradually these dropped off and for many days in succession only two or
three men would turn up to work. I see in my notes, ‘for a fortnight only one man
has come to work, and he is employed cutting fire-wood and bringing water from the
’cenote” ; then for a week or more none came at all. After this matters improved for
a time, but during the whole of my stay I was in constant and wearisome communi-
cation with the local authorities, who made promise after promise and almost invariably
broke them. Towards the end of my stay we depended almost entirely on local
labourers hired at about three times the current wage. In one matter, however, I was
especially fortunate. I had come without any companions and found my small worries
and bickerings all the harder to bear on that account; but early in March Mr. H. N.
62
4 CHICHEN ITZA.
Sweet, of Boston, who had been for some months assisting Mr. Thompson, the American
Consul, in his explorations at Labnd, came to pay mea visit for a week and then
volunteered to stay and help me as long as his engagements would permit him.
Luckily for me nothing occurred to necessitate his return home until July, and 1
gained not only a delightful companion but a most energetic and enthusiastic worker,
and without his timely help my expedition must have proved almost a failure. As
Mr. Sweet is a careful and finished photographer I turned over my apparatus to his
charge, and the series of photographs of Chichén now published can be left to speak
for themselves.
I could now devote my time more particularly to the survey, but in this work also
Mr. Sweet gave me the greatest assistance.
During the month of May we were both ill with fever, but as our attacks fortunately
occurred on alternate days we could each take it in turn to be nurse and patient. ‘The
fever left us both very weak, and as at this time we were entirely deserted by our
workmen it was difficult even to supply ourselves with wood and water; and I well
remember one occasion on which it took us the whole afternoon to draw our water
at the ’cenote, carry the tin only half full to the foot of the stairway, and then drag it
step by step up to the house, so weak had the fever left us.
However, we both appeared to make a complete recovery, and as about this time
the supply of labourers was better, we made great progress with the clearing. Then
the heat became intense and the physical hard work very trying; for the Indians,
although they could be trusted to some extent in the matter of clearing bush, would
do next to nothing in the way of digging and moving away earth and rubble, unless
one of us not only worked with them but worked much harder with pickaxe and
spade than they did.
Towards the end of our stay we were principally occupied in making paper moulds
of the sculpture, all of which we had to do ourselves, as none of our labourers could
be trusted as assistants in such work. At last our stock of provisions began to run
short, and as we could buy hardly anything to eat in the neighbourhood, after living
for a day or two on nothing more than a little rice and some beef-tea, we were forced
to pack up, and on the 2nd July set out on our return to Merida. Mr. Sweet had
business to occupy him for a few days in Merida, so I said good-bye to him and took
passage in the first steamer for New York; just in time, I think, for the change of air
to save me from a serious illness, and as it was I did not recover my usual health for
more than six months.
I attribute our fever to the bad water of the ’cenote. The Casa de Monjas made us
an excellent dwelling-house, and as we had seven stone-roofed rooms at our disposal we
were even able to make ourselves quite comfortable. On the broad terrace which ran
round the house, thirty feet above the ground, we were on a level with the tree-tops,
and we could see over the country for miles round to an unbroken horizon.
CHICHEN ITZA, 5)
The weather was delightful up to the middle of May. ‘The woods were alive with
singing birds, and the beautiful Mot-Mots frequently flew in and out of our rooms ;
later on the heat became intense through the day and the showers not unfrequent.
The cloud effects were most beautiful, and we never tired of watching the storm-clouds,
three or four at a time in different directions, travelling across the country.
The nights were fairly cool, and the clear horizon viewed from our terrace and the
sound of the breeze amongst the tree-tops gave one the feeling of being at sea.
Happily we were almost entirely free from mosquitos and ticks, and only suffered slightly
from coloradillas, the harvest-bugs of the country.
Tn spite of the hard work, the worry about labourers, and the attack of fever, I cannot
help looking back on my stay at Chichén with considerable pleasure and satisfaction.
Principat Notices AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RUINS.
‘Relacion de las Cosas de Yucatan, sacada de lo que escrivié el padre Fray Diego de
Landa de la orden de St. Francisco.’
A Manuscript preserved in the Royal Academy of History at Madrid, dated 1566 ;
first published by the Abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg in 1860, and again in 1864 (Paris:
Arthur Bertrand, éditeur). A more exact copy is given as an appendix to the ‘ Ensayo
sobre la interpretacion de la Escritura Hieratica de la America Central’ (a translation
from French into Spanish of M. Leon de Rosny’s Essay) by Sr. Don Juan de dios de
la Rada y Delgado. (Madrid, 1884.)
‘ Relacion de la Villa ce Valladolid de Yucatan, escrita por el Cabildo de Aquella
Ciudad.’
An answer, dated 8 April, 1579, to adespatch from the Spanish Government. Found
by Dr. Sebastian Marimon, in the Archives of the Indies at Seville, and published
by him in 1884. (Madrid, Imprenta de Fortanet.)
‘Historia de la Provincia de Yucathan,’ por el M. R. P. Fr. Diego Lopes Cogolludo.
(Madrid, 1688.) Second edition, Mérida, 1842. Third edition, 1867.
‘Incidents of Travel in Yucatan,’ by John L. Stephens. (John Murray, London,1843.)
‘Ruines Américaines’ (pp. 839-46, photos 26-34). Désiré Charnay and Viollet le
Duc. (Paris, 1863.)
‘Les Anciennes Villes du Nouveau Monde,’ par Désiré Charnay. (Paris, Hachette,
1885.)
In the year 1528 Francisco de Montejo, who had been appointed Adelantado and
Governor of Yucatan, landed with 400 Spaniards on the north-east coast near Conil,
and attempted to bring the natives under Spanish rule,
No contemporary record of this expedition is left to us, but both Landa and
6 CHICHEN ITZA.
Cogolludo state that Montejo formed a camp at Chichén Itza, and made it his head-
quarters for some considerable time, apparently for nearly two years.
This expedition ended in great loss and disaster to the Spaniards; Montejo and the
greater number of his followers appear to have been driven to the north coast, whence
they found their way by sea to Campeche; and another party under the command of
one of his lieutenants, Alonzo Davila, penetrated the country to the south in the
direction of Bacalar, and finally escaped by sea to Trujillo in Honduras. Later on
Alonzo Davila rejoined the Adelantado in Campeche, but no headway could be made
against the natives, many of the soldiers deserted the Adelantado, tempted by the
elowing accounts they received of the riches of Peru, and finally the remnant of the
force was removed by sea from Campeche to Tabasco.
Landa, who may have conversed with some of the survivors of the expedition,
confines his account of it to a few paragraphs, and Cogolludo, writing about 120 years
later, although he enters much more into detail, admits that many conflicting accounts
were current, and devotes some space to the correction of the version given by Herrera
in the Decads.
The document drawn up in Valladolid in 1579, in answer to a despatch from the
Spanish Government, in no way alludes to this early occupation of the site by the
Spaniards. It is quite possible that the name Chichén Itz’ may have been applied
to an area extending far beyond the site of the ruins, and until more conclusive evidence
is forthcoming it may be well to treat with some caution the generally accepted report
that the Spaniards were camped for two years on the site of the town itself.
It was not until the year 1540 that a successful expedition was made, and the
Indians began to come under the Spanish dominion. Merida was founded in 1542 by
Francisco de Montejo, the son of the Adelantado, and in the same year his cousin of
the same name started on an expedition to the west, and founded a settlement at
Chuaca. This site was found to be unhealthy, and in 1545 the Spaniards moved to
what is now the town of Valladolid, about ten leagues distant from the ruins of
Chichén.
The first description of Chichén Itza is to be found in the notes of Diego de Landa,
Bishop of Yucatan, which are supposed to have been written in the year 1566. It is
as follows :—
“ Chichén Itzd is very well situated 10 leagues from Izamal and 11 from Valladolid,
and the elders among the Indians say that they remember to have heard from their
ancestors that in that place there once reigned three Lords who were brothers and
who came to that land from the west. And they brought together on these sites a
great number of towns and people, and ruled them for some years with justice and
im peace.
“They paid much reverence to their God and on this account they raised many and
fine buildings, and of one in particular, the greatest of them all, I will here draw the
plan, as I drew it when I was standing cn it, so that it may be the better understood.
CHICHEN ITZA. 7
“These Lords, they say, came over without any women, and they lived chastely,
and all the time that they thus lived they were held in high esteem and obeyed by all.
Then, as time went on, one of them disappeared, and doubtless he must have died,
although the Indians assert that he left the country in the direction of Bacalar.
“The absence of this Lord, however it may have come to pass, caused such a change
in those who ruled the State that soon they split into factions, so wanton and licentious in
their ways, that the people came so greatly to loathe them that they killed them, laid
the Town waste and themselves dispersed, abandoning the buildings and this beautiful
site which is only ten leagues from the sea, and has much fertile land around it. The
plan of the principal building is the following :—
“This building has four stairways which look to the four quarters of the world,
each is 33 feet in breadth and has ninety-one steps, and it is killing work to ascend
them; the steps have the same height and breadth which we give to ours. Each
stairway has on a level with the steps two low balustrades, two feet in width, of good
masonry, as indeed is the whole edifice. The building is not square cornered, for from
the edge of the ground and from the balustrades in the opposite direction they have
begun to work some rounded blocks which rise at intervals and confine the building in
avery pleasing regularity. There was, when I saw it, at the foot of each balustrade
the savage mouth of a serpent curiously worked out of a single block of stone. The
stairways being finished in this manner there remains on the summit a small level
plain, on which stands a building arranged in four chambers. Three of them run
round the outside without division, each one with a door in the middie and covered
with a gable roof. The fourth, that to the north, stands by itself with a corridor of
thick pillars. The chamber in the middle, which must have been the little enclosure
formed by the arrangement of the walls of the building, has a door which opens into
the northern corridor; it is roofed above with wood, and it was used as a place for
burning incense.
“ And at the entrance of this door or of the corridor a sort of arms was sculptured
on a stone which one could not well understand. This building must have had many
others (sculptures) and still has them to-day round about large and well done, and all
8 CHICHEN ITZA.
the surface plastered over with them, and there still are in places survivals of the
plaster-work, so strong is the cement which they made there.
** There was in front of the stairway, to the north a little way off, two small theatres
built of stone with four stairways, and paved with flagstones on the top, on which they
say they played farces and comedies for the solace of the public.
“There runs from the patio in front of these theatres a beautiful broad causeway to
a pool about two stone throws off. In this pool they have had, and had at that time,
the custom to throw into it live men as a sacrifice to the Gods in time of drought, and
they hold that these men do not die although they are never more seen. ‘They threw
in also many things made of precious stones and other things which they prized, so
that if this land has had gold in it, it would be in this pool that most of it would be,
so greaily did the Indians revere it.
“This pool has a depth of fully seven fathoms to the surface of the water, and is more
than a hundred feet across and is round in shape, and it is a wonder to look at, for it
is clean cut rock down to the water, and the water appears to have a green colour, and
I think this is caused by the trees which surround it—and it is very deep.
«There is on the top, near the opening, a small building where I found Idols made
in honour of each of the principal buildings of the land, almost like the Pantheon of
Rome. I do not know if this was a contrivance of the ancients or one of the people of
to-day, so that they might meet with their Idols when they went to the pool with their
offerings.
“I found lions worked in high relief, and jars and such other things, that I do not
know whether anyone will say that these people had no iron tools.
“TJ also found two men of great size carved in stone, each in one piece, naked except
for the small covering which the Indians wear. Their heads were by themselves, with
earrings in their ears as the Indians wear them, and there was a spike in the back part
of the neck, which fitted into a deep hole made for it in the neck itself, so that when it
was fitted in the whole shape became complete.”
Landa, in other passages, mentions Chichén Itz4 and Cozumel as the two principal
religious centres of Yucatan.
In the year 1579, thirty-four years after the founding of Valladolid, a circular
despatch was sent from the Spanish Foreign Office to the various Colonial Governments
asking questions with regard to the discovery and conquest of the provinces, nature of
the soil, position of towns, &c., and also asking for information regarding the condition
of the native inhabitants, and explanation of the names of the towns, &c.
A few years ago Dr. Sebastian Marimon, of Seville, was fortunate enough to discover,
in the Archives of the Indies, the answer to this despatch sent from the town of
Valladolid, written by three of the original ‘ conquistadores’ who were appointed by
the Municipality as a Committee to draw up the report. In it is the following *
description of Chichén Itzi:—
CHICHEN ITZA. 9
“Eight leagues from this town stand some buildings called Chichénica, amongst
them there is a Cu made by the hand (of man) of hewn stone and masonry, and this
is the principal building. ;
“It has over ninety steps, and the steps go all round, so as to reach to the top of it,
the height of each step a little over a third of a vara high. On the summit stands a
sort of tower with rooms in it.
‘‘This Cu stands between two ’cenotes of deep water—one of them is called the
*Cenote of Sacrifice. They call the place Chichéniga after an Indian, named Alquin
Itza, who was living at the foot of the Cenote of Sacrifice.
‘“‘ At this "Cenote the Lords and Chiefs of all the provinces of Valladolid observed
this custom. After having fasted for sixty days without raising their eyes during that
time even to look at their wives, nor at those who brought them food, they came to
the mouth of this "Cenote and, at the break of day, they threw into it some Indian
women, some belonging to each of the Lords, and they told the women that they
should beg for a good year in all those things which they thought fit, and thus
they cast them in unbound, but as they were thrown headlong they fell into the
water, giving a great blow on it; and exactly at midday she who was able to come out,
cried out loud that they should throw her a rope to drag her out with, and she arrived
at the top half dead, and they made great fires round her and incensed her with Copal,
and when she came to herself she said that below there were many of her nation, both
men and women, who received her, and that raising her head to look at some of them,
they gave her heavy blows on the neck, making her put her head down which was all
under water, in which she fancied were many hollows and deeps ; and in answer to the
questions which the Indian girl put to them, they replied to her whether it should be
a good or bad year, and whether the devil was angry with any of the Lords who had
cast in the Indian girls, but these Lords already knew that if a girl did not beg to be
taken out at midday it was because the devil was angry with them, and she never came
out again. Then seeing that she did not come out, all the followers of that Lord and
the Lord himself threw great stones into the water and with loud cries fled from the
place.”
Plate I. Mar or Yucatan anD THE CoUNTRY SOUTH OF IT.
This Map is compiled from the one in Petermann’s ‘ Mittheilungen,’ 1879, by Dr. C. H. Berendt, from
Dr. Carl Sapper’s map in the same journal for 1894, and from my own observations.
The country south of Peto, Chichén Itz4, and Valladolid is occupied by independent
Indian tribes hostile to Mexico.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IlI., July 1895. Cc
10 CHICHEN ITZA,
Rournep Cuvrcy at Pisrsé.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE OF THE RUINS.
The plan on Plate II. includes roughly a thousand yards square ground, in which are
included all the principal buildings still standing, but it by no means shows the extent
of ground covered by the ancient city, for small raised foundations, stone-faced terraces,
heaps of squared stones, and fragments of columns can be found for a mile or more in
every direction.
Amongst the ruins of the ancient city to the S.E. of the Casa de Monjas (Plate IL.,
No. 1) stand the church and buildings of a large cattle hacienda, which, although
abandoned since 1847 and much overgrown, are still in fairly good condition.
The Indian ruins had been freely used as quarries when the buildings of Pisté and
the hacienda were being raised, and many well-squared blocks of stone bearing frag-
ments of hieroglyphics and other sculpture can be found embedded in the church-
walls.
CHICHEN ITZA. 11
Within the site of the ancient city are several] patches of broken rocky ground, upon
which no buildings have ever been raised, which have been carefully divided off from the
level plazas by what are now low heaps of stones, 10 to 20 feet wide, not always very
clearly defined. These are marked on the plan by a narrow blue line. It is difficult
to determine exactly the nature of the structures of which they are the remains. In
some places they seem to have been no more than enclosing walls, bounding the paved
roadways which connect the level plazas; but often when the lines broaden out the
presence of roofing-stones and fragments of columns show that houses must have been
attached to them. ‘The determination of the nature of these structures is rendered all
the more difficult from the fact that being nearly continuous they were formerly used
by the people of the hacienda to form the sides of enclosures for cattle. Indeed, the
surface of the ground has been so much disturbed that it is now frequently difficult to
distinguish between the remains of overturned recent walls and some of the smaller
much-ruined ancient buildings.
The plan shows only the principal mounds and buildings, which could be easily
distinguished by their height. Numerous other buildings must, at one time, have
covered parts of the site included in the plan; but, as they were not raised on high
foundations, it is difficult to trace their outlines, and their positions can only now be
guessed at from that of the fragments of masonry and columns.
The chief features which distinguish the buildings of Chichén from those which I
have examined in Central America are the rounded corners and nearly perpendicular
sides of the raised foundations, and those which distinguish them not only from
Central-American ruins, but other ruins in Yucatan, are the free use made of columns
and the constant occurrence of serpent columns and balustrades.
The north of Yucatan may be described as a raised coral-reef, covered here and there
with a thin coating of soil. All the surface-rock which I observed had the appearance
of coral limestone, but I was told in Merida that other formations are met with at no
great depth.
The surface of the country, although flat, is by no means even. When the sun was
high in the heavens, the tree-tops (viewed from the raised terrace of the Casa de
Monjas) appeared to stretch to the horizon on a dead level; but in the early morning,
when the mist lay in the hollows and the sun’s rays were almost horizontal, one could
observe the roughness of the actual surface, and this unevenness was further impressed
on one when jolting over the ill-made roads in a springless volan coche.
In this northern country there are no surface-rivers, and the drainage is altogether
by percolation, the fresh water oozing out along the northern sea-coast. The water-
supply of the inhabitants is either from ‘aguadas,” shallow pools which dry up almost
as soon as the hot weather sets in, or from ‘*’cenotes,” deep holes in the limestone
rock, where the water is found at some considerable depth below the surface of the
ground.
c2
12 CHICHEN ITZA.
These ’cenotes are very numerous; some of them are open to the air, and have steep
or perpendicular sides, as is the case in the two ’cenotes at Chichén Itza (Plate II.). In
others the water can only be reached by long underground passages and caverns at
considerable distance from the surface. In the ’cenote at Bolonchen, described by
Stephens, the water is stated to be 450 feet below the level of the ground.
It is sometimes asserted that ’cenotes are openings marking the passage of under-
ground rivers, and that the current is easily discernible; but this did not appear to be
the case at Chichén, where I was not able to make out any trace of current, and it
seems probable that many of the ’cenotes are merely receptacles of surface-drainage and
percolation from the immediate neighbourhood, and have no distinct outlet.
On arrival at the ruins I found the whole site under somewhat dense vegetation.
But this vegetation was of a very different character from that which clothes the
Central-American ruins. Partly owing to the small depth of the soil and partly to
the clearings made for food-plantations, there was an absence of forest-trees, and the
wood resembled overgrown copse-wood in England rather than a tropical forest, with,
however, this difference—that the saplings grew very close together and the numbers
of lianas and climbers sometimes formed it into a dense jungle, and clearing was
made the more difficult owing to the thorny stems both of trees and creepers.
A portion of the site we cleared entirely of all vegetation by burning the felled trees
and shrubs ; in other parts we found it to be an economy both of time and labour
merely to clear away the undergrowth thoroughly and heap it together and burn it
when dry.
As the dry season progressed, the clearing and burning of bush by the people of
Pisté, in preparing their corn-plantations, enabled me to note some of the smaller and
more distant mounds, and to form a better idea of the extent of the ancient city.
CHICHEN ITZA. 15)
Piste.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE RuIys.
No. 1.—The building known as the “‘ Casa de Monjas,” or Nunnery (Plate II., No. 1),
is the best preserved of the larger buildings at Chichén. (Plan and Section on
Plate III.; Views and Drawings, Plates [V.-X VII.)
It consists of a solid mass of masonry, which I shall call the basement (coloured
blue in the Plan), supporting a range of buildings on which another single-chambered
building is superimposed. On the eastern side of the basement is a wing, with rooms
opening on the level of the ground (coloured red in Plate II1.), the main portion of
which measures 61 feet by 45 feet, and is 25 feet high. Three other buildings
(a, b, & c, Plate III.), two of them (6 & ¢) in complete ruin, formed three sides of a
courtyard to the south of the wing, and two detached structures (d & ¢, Plate III.)
complete the group of buildings.
The basement is a solid mass of masonry, with slightly sloping sides and rounded
corners, 165 feet in length, 89 feet broad, and 35 feet high. This measurement includes
14 CHICHEN ITZA.
a buttress-wall about 24 feet thick, which rises to the height of 10 feet, and has been
added to strengthen the structure. At the height of 27 feet from the ground is a
string course 1 foot 6 inches high, which projects 1 foot, and above this rises a highly
decorated frieze, 3 feet 6 inches high, composed of cross-bar work alternating with
grotesque heads with projecting trunk-like noses; immediately above these trunks is
usually inserted a small human or grotesque face, carved on a single stone, similar to
those shown in Vol. I. Plate X., a (Copan). A notched cornice, 1 foot 6 inches high,
completes the elevation.
The basement, as we are told by Stephens, served as a quarry for the builders of the
hacienda, the result being that a considerable portion of the south-west end has been
removed entirely (Plates VI. and VII., a), and that a large breach (Plate V.) has been
made on the west side of the great stairway and tunnels driven in, which are indicated
by dotted lines on the Plan.
A fine stairway, about 55 feet broad, of 49 steps, arranged at the steep angle of
51°-5, leads to the terrace on the top of the basement. A balustrade of stonework a
little over 5 feet broad on each side of the stairway supports a number of curious
ornaments (one to every two steps), which must have closely resembled the trunk-like
noses so frequently repeated elsewhere; unfortunately only a small number of these
ornaments can be seen, and not one is entire. The most perfect I could find was
broken off and lying at the foot of the stairway, and is figured in Plate III, but the
dotted portion may have curved outwards. It is from this example and other slight
indications that the restoration has been made in the section on Plate III.
The position of the range of buildings supported by this basement, and the breadth
of the terrace which surrounds it, are clearly shown in the Plans and Photographs.
The range of buildings contains seven chambers unconnected with each other, and
each opening on to the terrace. The lintels of the docrways facing south are of plain
stone, but those of the doorways at the east and west ends, and also of the two
chambers facing north, are carved on the outside and on the under surface with
hieroglyphic inscriptions.
The three recesses on the north side, Sie correspond with the three central
doorways on the south, also have carved lintels; and there can be no doubt that they
were originally doorways which gave access to a room corresponding to the long
chamber on the south side, and that this room was purposely blocked up in order to
afford a secure foundation for a building to be erected above it. The inscriptions on
the lintels are all much worn, and in some cases almost obliterated. Drawings of all
that can still be made out are given on Plates XII. and XIII.
A small portion of the inner walls and the spring of the roof of the closed chamber
can be seen where some stones and rubble have been removed, and the probable shape
of the room is marked with a dotted line on the Plan.
This blocking up of lower chambers, when upper storeys were subsequently added,
CHICHEN ITZA. 15
seems to have been a common practice, but it has been a great mystery to native and
other visitors, who have frequently broken into the ‘‘ casas cerradas,” believing them to
contain treasure.
The chambers were all paved with cement, which, in some parts, is still fairly
preserved. ‘The walls and roofs have been coated with plaster and painted with battle-
scenes and other designs; a very few small patches of these paintings still adhere to
the walls, and it is just possible to make out figures of warriors 10 to 12 inches high,
with shields and lances in their hands. Blue, red, orange, and green were the colours
used.
In the back-wall of each room are a number of recesses nearly equal in height to the
doorways.
The outside wall of this building is divided by the doorways into panels. ‘The six
panels on the north and the six on the south side are of similar design, the end panels
on each side being somewhat longer than the others. Ancther design is employed in
the decoration of the two panels on the east and the two on the west end.
The designs are remarkable in being free from the grotesque ornamentation which
is such a common feature in the decoration of the other buildings.
Above this decorated wall-surface the superstructure slopes slightly inwards, and is
finished off by a notched cornice.
The upper storey consists of a single chamber, with one door opening to the north,
and is in a very ruinous condition. It is approached by a stairway of eighteen steps
similar to the stairway already described, but slightly narrower, and with balustrades
decorated with stone trunks in the same manner.
A projecting block of masonry, surmounted bya notched cornice, occupies the centre
of this stairway towards the top, in the face of which is a niche probably intended to
hold a sculptured figure.
On the platform in front of this upper chamber is a stone about 1 foot 6 inches high,
with figures, now nearly obliterated, carved on its four sides.
It seems clear that this upper chamber was added some time after the lower range
_ had been built, for not only was the chamber beneath it blocked up so as to afford it a
secure foundation, but the ornamental panelling of the face of the lower building is to
a great extent hidden by the stairway, and now forms the side-wall of the passage which
passes under it.
The cap-stones of the roof of the lower chamber must have been removed in order
to allow the builders to fill it up completely ; and when these stones were again fixed
in their position, the builders do not seem to have thought it necessary to replace the
whole of the masonry above them, and, as a consequence, the floor of the upper chamber
is at a somewhat lower level than the coping of the building below. This is well shown
in the section (Plate III.), and a dotted line marks what was probably the profile of the
lower building before the upper chamber was added.
16 CHICHEN ITZA.
Before describing the east wing and the detached structures which form part of this
group of buildings, it will be as well to follow out the evidence of the curious growth
of the main building; this can be most conveniently done by working backwards from
its present condition. It has already been shown that the upper chamber and the
stairway by which it is approached must have been built after the first range of chambers
was completed, and could not have formed part of the original design. Turning now
to the west end of the basement, it can be clearly seen in the photograph (Plate VI.)
that, where a large portion of this basement has been removed, a well-built wall with
ornamental frieze has been revealed; and that this inner foundation could not have
been intended for the basement of the present range of chambers is evident from the
fact that the chamber at the west end, and probably that at the east end also, would
not have been accessible. At the present time, owing to the removal of the
masonry of the basement, the western chamber can only be entered by climbing
along the narrow projection of the cornice. ‘The northern corners of this second
basement can be seen on examining carefully the front view of the building (Plates
IV. and V.), and its limits are marked with a dotted red line in the ground-plan
(Plate III.).
Where the breach has been driven in on the west side of the great stairway a con-
siderable portion of the second basement has been removed, and about 12 feet from the
outer surface a third basement is met (about 7 feet less in height), which has been
ornamented with a plainer cornice. The corner of this third basement can just be seen
in Plate V., and its extent is marked by the inner dotted red line on the ground-plan.
The tunnels which have been driven in from the breach are bordered on one side by
the outer surface of this third basement, so that its direction is easily traced. The
opposite sides of the tunnels are marked by a dotted blue line.
It is curious to note that this third basement is divided at about half its height by a
projecting course of stone, which appears to have been the cornice of a still earlier
foundation.
It is not probable that these numerous basements were built up for any other pur-
pose than that of supporting some roofed buildings containing either single chambers
or ranges of chambers; and thus we are led to the curious conclusion that when one
of these buildings was found too small for the needs of the population or had failed
to gratify their sense of propriety to the purpose for which it was designed, it was not
left standing and additions made to it, but the buildings on the top were destroyed,
and the basement used as a core for a larger foundation, on which new buildings were
raised. The process of destruction and rebuilding may account for the many odd
pieces of carved stone which can be found built up into what were intended to be flat
wall-surfaces, where the plaster coating which once covered up their inequalities has
now fallen away and left them open to view.
This method of enlarging the Casa de Monjas must at last have been partly aban-
CHICHEN ITZA. 17
doned, for the Kast Wing, which will now be described, is clearly an addition made
after the basement had arrived at its present form. However, in this wing it is
probable that the second process of enlargement was about to be carried out, for the
two inner chambers had already been blocked up, doubtless with the intention of
erecting another range of chambers above them.
The flooring of the five outer chambers of the east wing is about 2 feet above the
level of the ground, and that of the closed inner rooms a step higher. The inner
chambers have been broken into, and their contents now partially fill the outer rooms.
The outside decoration of this wing is very elaborate. The whole height of the
building is about 25 feet.
On the north side (Plate XIV.) the wall-surface, up to the level of the wall-plate, is
composed of alternate flat surfaces and cross-bar work. The wall-plate itself is marked
by a prominent cornice, over which is a frieze of alternate cross-bar work and rosettes
and huge grotesque faces, arranged somewhat irregularly. This, again, is surmounted
by a notched cornice of more than usually elaborate design.
Towards the east end the faces are also used to decorate the wall-space, and the three
great heads one above the other, which turn the corner, form a very curious piece of
ornamentation, and it must have had a still more striking appearance when the trunk-
like noses were entire. The facade of the east end (Plate XV.) is, however, the most
highly-wrought piece of work of all. Here the grotesque faces are continued all over
the wall-spaces and frieze. The lower string-courses are raised over the central door-
way (Plate XI., 4), so as to admit of trunk-like projections which surround the opening,
and the outer surface of the lintel is covered with a hieroglyphic inscription (Plate
XIII., ¢) on either side of a central grotesque mask.
Above the doorway the remains of a figure seated cross-legged, with a large feather
head-dress, can be traced. An incomplete oval of radiating feathers encloses this
figure, and from the sides of the oval projects a double fret. A straight-edged band
marked with the wavy lines which indicate the body of the plumed serpent bounds
the sides of this design, and turns inwards at right angles over the top, and the two
serpents’ heads facing one another can with difficulty be made out just below the pro-
jecting cornice.
The projecting line of stonework on which this central ornament rests is covered
with a curious line of figures (Plate XIII, d), and it was supported at either end by the
couching figure of a small monkey; only one of them now remains in place in a very
much mutilated condition.
I am inclined to think that the doorway itself is meant to represent an open mouth,
and that the trunk-like projections are intended for teeth.
The south face of this wing forms the north side of a courtyard, of which the cham-
bers a,@ (Plate III. and Plate VIII., a) (a later addition to the east wing) form the
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. III., July 1895. d
18 CHICHEN ITZA.
west side, and on the other two sides are chambers (b & c), now reduced to rough
heaps of stones, with carved stone columns in front. The ground-plans of the latter
buildings can now only partly be made out by excavation.
The frieze of grotesque heads is carried for a short distance along the south side
of the east wing, and the remaining wall-surfaces are plain and only relieved by the
usual string-courses and notched cornice.
The ruined structures on the east side of the courtyard may have been joined with
the two chambers d,d (Plate III.), which are still standing, but which do not merit
any detailed description. These chambers, again, may have had some connection with
surrounding structures, of which heaps of broken stone and débris are all that remain.
To return once more to the growth of this group of buildings, we may consider them
to have been raised in the following order :—
1. The lower half of the third basement—no trace of stairway or chambers
remaining.
2. The addition of the upper part of the third basement—no trace of stairway or
chambers remaining.
8. The second basement, accessible by the present stairway or possibly by a
narrower stairway in the same position—chambers probably removed, but
possibly remaining as the two long chambers of present lower range.
4, Enlargement of the second basement, and erection of the present lower ranges
of chambers.
5. Filling-up of northern long chamber, and erection of upper stairway and upper
chamber.
6. Erection of east wing.
7. Addition of chambers a@,a. (There is clear indication, from the joint of the
wall, that a,a were added after the east wing was built.)
8. Filling-up of central chambers of east wing with intention of erecting upper
storey—not carried out.
Of course the east wing may have been built before or at the same time as the upper
stairway and chamber, and the comparative date of the surrounding structures cannot
be ascertained; but the consecutive structure of Nos. 1 to 5 and the subsequent
aggregations show that the site must have been one of special sanctity or importance
during a considerable number of years.
Before leaving the group of the Monjas, there is one small but very elaborately
decorated building to be noticed, the detached single-chambered building (Plate III., e).
The photographs of this building (Plates XVI. and XVII.) are so good that there is
no need to describe the decoration in detail. Its general appearance would be much
improved if the earth which has accumulated around its base to the depth of about
2 feet were to be cleared away.
CHICHEN ITZA. 19
The central grotesque face over the doorway appears to have had a small figure
seated above its nose. Part of the head-dress of this figure is all that now remains.
On either side of this central face are two squares, each containing two seated figures
facing inwards, all headless and much mutilated. The inside figure on the southern
square is that of a humanized turtle, and the figure on the northern square that of a
humanized alligator. The two other figures are also grotesque—half human, half
animal; but their exact nature cannot be made out.
The building is capped by the notched cornice with an additional band of ornament
in the lower angle of the cornice, similar to that on the east wing.
On the west side this cornice is surmounted by a highly decorated wall ornamented
with three huge grotesque faces of unequal sizes and very irregularly put together,
giving the impression that they have been built up of previously-used material. This
wall extended along the west face of the building only, and is decorated with cross-bar
work on its east side.
The single chamber in the interior of the building has apparently been covered with
mural paintings; and the remains of a line of hieroglyphs running round the top of
the wall, moulded in plaster and painted, can just be made out.
A rough line of stones, possibly the remains of a wall, runs from the north-west
corner of the Casa de Monjas to a small ruined foundation to the north.
No. 2.—Between the Casa de Monjas and the building called Caracol, from its supposed
resemblance to a snail-shell (Plate II., No. 5), there are some small heaps of stones and
broken fragments of columns, which mark the remains of buildings raised on low
terraces or foundations. Of these mounds, No. 2 is perhaps the most distinct, and is
still about 6 feet in height, and is approached by steps on the east side. ‘The bottom
of the balustrade of this stairway is fashioned into a serpent’s head, a form of decoration
of frequent occurrence in these ruins. (Cf. Plate XXV., a.)
No. 3.—To the east of this mound is another of more importance (Plate II., No. 3).
On the west side a stairway with balustrades ending in serpents’ heads leads up to a
terrace (about 10 feet high), from which rises what must have once been a roofed
building, but is now merely a heap of stones. ‘The total height of the mound is now
23 feet.
No. 4.—Between this building and the Ak at ’Cib (Plate II., No. 4) are, again, traces
of buildings which can with difficulty be made out. The Ak at ’Cib itself (Plates XVIII.
and XIX.) is not a particularly interesting building, but its smooth wall-surfaces, free
from all decoration except notched wall-plate and cornice, would probably have long
withstood the attacks of the weather and the vegetation had it not been systematically
robbed of its facing-stones, and had not holes been wantonly broken through the inner
d 2
20 CHICHEN ITZA.
walls and the rough surfaces left exposed. ‘The total length of the building is
170 feet.
The two central chambers on the west side (Plan on Plate XIX.) appear to be
the earliest part of the building, and the many-chambered wings later additions. The
solid block in the centre is difficult to understand; it possibly contains blocked-up
chambers, but I was not able to find any trace of them where the masonry has been
broken into. The eastern part of this mass of masonry is clearly of still later
construction than the wings, as the notched wall-plate and cornice which ornaments
the wings can be detected passing behind it. There is no stairway or other means
of ascent to the roof of the building; and the only conclusion I can come to is that
it was intended to add an upper storey op the solid basement, and that the design was
afterwards abandoned.
The only other point of interest in this structure is the carved lintel (Plate XIX.)
over the inner doorway, marked with an X on the ground-plan, from which the building
takes its name, “Ak at ’Cib,” which means “ the writing in the dark.”
No.5.—The next building to be described, the Caracol (= the snail-shell) (Plate IL.,
No.5; Plans and Sections on Plate XX.; and views, Plates XXI. and XXIL, a),
which, unfortunately, is in a much-ruined condition, is raised on a double foundation.
The lower foundation or basement is nearly, if not quite, rectangular, and measures
229 by 166 feet, and is 21 feet high; the corners are rounded, and the sides slope
inwards and are capped by a notched cornice.
On the north-west side a few broad steps lead up to the main stairway by which the
first terrace is reached.
To the south of this stairway can be traced a fragmentary building attached to the
basement, which it is not easy to understand. It apparently consisted of two chambers,
and was approached by a stairway on the north-west side. The floors of the chambers
are about on a level with the bottom of the notched cornice of the basement of the
Caracol, so that this building, when complete, must have much exceeded that basement
in height. Thinking it might have served as a portico, J examined the inner chamber
for traces of steps leading to the terrace, but none could be found. Neither could
any distinct traces of a doorway be seen in the foundation of the wall dividing the
two chambers, although there can be little doubt that such a doorway must have
existed. As, however, only a few inches of the height of the walls are now discernible,
it is difficult to come to any exact conclusions.
The upper terrace, on which the Caracol itself stands, is 15 feet high, and, like the
lower foundation, the wall is capped with a notched cornice. The west side measures
74 feet, but the east side exceeds it in length by 8 feet. The south side is 67 feet
long, and the north side somewhat longer.
CHICHEN ITZA. 21
Not only are the angles and sides of this upper foundation unequal, but none of its
sides are parallel to the sides of the lower foundation. The stairway, by which the
terrace is reached, is on the west side.
The balustrade on each side of it is in the shape of the twined body of a rattlesnake,
the head and tail resting on the ground.
Near the top of the stairway, but not quite in the centre, is a projecting block of
masonry, with a niche probably intended for a sculptured figure.
The building which these foundations support is circular, and measures about
36 feet in diameter. Four doorways, nearly equidistant from one another, give access
to a circular chamber, but not one of these doorways directly faces the stairway or the
sides of the foundation.
Alternating with these outer doorways, four others lead through the inner wall to
another somewhat smaller circular chamber, in the centre of which stands a solid core
of masonry between seven and eight feet in diameter. The vault of the outer chamber
is divided into four sections by four transverse walls resting on stone lintels which span
the chamber at the level of the wall-plates,
These divisions of the vault occur also in the inner chamber, but the dividing walls
are supported by rough wooden beams in place of stone lintels. Both chambers retain
a very few traces of wall-paintings.
The ground-plan and section of the building is shown in Plate XX.
In the upper part of the central core of masonry, where it trends outwards to form
one side of the vault of the inner chamber, at about the height of 12 feet from the
ground (above the spot marked “XX” in the ground-plan), there is a small opening
which apparently gives access to a winding passage or stairway passing round an inner
core of masonry. It may have been possible for a small man to ascend the stairway,
but owing to the falling and fallen stones, it is now dangerous for anyone to make the
attempt to do so.
The stairway is broken away after one spiral is nearly completed, and now ends in
an opening which can be seen amongst the broken masonry. It seems probable that
it formerly connected with one of the small cross-passages in the superstructure.
The outer wall-surface of the building was quite plain and was surmounted by a
heavy double notched cornice. Above this the wall appears to have sloped inwards
and was probably capped by another notched cornice. Above this, again, was a level
platform, on which stood an upper storey furnished with what looked like six small
doorways facing outwards. Of these the doorway immediately over the lower doorway
“A” is the entrance to a small passage, 5 feet high, which probably passed right across
the building to a doorway on the other side.
Whether the other small doorways gave entrances to similar passages I could not
satisfactorily make out, but am inclined to think that they did not and that they were
merely ornamental recesses.
22 CHICHEN ITZA.
Above the notched cornice, which surmounts these small doorways, the masonry is
now reduced to a confused heap of stones.
As can be seen from the photographs, which give views of the best preserved parts,
the building is in a very ruinous condition. ‘The stones on the upper portion are loose,
and it was with no little difficulty and risk that measurements could be taken.
Where the masonry has fallen, the probable outline of the building is marked in
dotted lines on the plan and section,
No. 6.—The next building to be described (Plate II., No. 6) is ina still more ruined
condition. A flight of 15 steps leads to a terrace, 10 feet high and about 55 feet
square, on the back of which stands the remains of a building. Two columns originally
supported the roof in front, but as the architrave has cracked with the weight of the
roof, a third support has since been added.
The front wall of this building only is standing, the remainder is broken away, but
enough is left to enable the ground-plans to be traced and shows it to have been
somewhat similar in plan to the temples at Palenque.
From the back wall two short walls yan out and turned at right angles to enclose
that which, judging from the Palenque plan, was a sanctuary, but I could find no trace
of inscribed stones amongst the débris.
To the south of the terrace there projects a tumbled heap of stones now about 4
feet high, which may at one time have supported a roofed building.
In front of No. 6, but more to the north, is a mound 85 feet long and 16 feet high,
which probably supported a double-chambered house. The bases of six columns can
still be seen on the west side.
No. 7.—Directly to the west of this is the building commonly known as the Casa
Colorada (Plate II., No. 7, plan and section on Plate XXII., views Plate XXIII),
which is still in good condition and in which I took up my quarters until the Casa de
las Monjas was cleared. On the west side a stairway of 18 steps leads to the top of
a foundation of the usual shape and 22 feet high. This foundation and the building
which stands on it are so well shown in the photographs, that it needs little description.
The wall-surfaces of the building are plain and ornamented only with the usual notched
cornices. On the top of the building along the front is a wall highly decorated
with grotesque faces and frets, and another still higher wall running parallel to it,
pierced by many small openings and decorated with notched cornices, stands imme-
diately over the wall dividing the outer from the inner chambers. ‘These superstructures
not only add considerably to the appearance of the buildings, but must also have added
greatly to the security of the structure by pinning down with their weight the ends of
the roofing-stones, and it was for this reason no doubt that such superstructures were
also in common use both at Palenque and Menché. In this instance it is only the
CHICHEN ITZA. 23
back wall of the building, which is furnished with no such superstructure, that is
giving way.
The rigid stone rings which stand out from the sides of the building from under-
neath the upper cornice were probably used to support an awning, and the square
holes along the top of the front wall may have held wooden beams for the same
purpose.
In the interior of the outer chamber of the Casa Colorada is the hieroglyphic
inscription figured in Plate XXIV.; it runs from end to end of the wall just above the
inner doorways.
Four or five Sapote wood beams are fixed across the vault, their ends imbedded in
the masonry.
To the north of the foundation a mound of stones runs out ina manner similar to
that described as attached to No. 6, and it naturally suggests itself that if the principal
buildings were temples these lower buildings attached to them may have been for the
accommodation of attendants.
No. 8.—At right angles to the face of the Casa Colorada is a low foundation which
must have supported a single-chambered house with eight columns along its front.
At the west end of this building is another foundation (Plate II., No. 8) similar to that
of the Casa Colorada.
A stairway of 15 steps leads up to the terrace, at the back of which stands a small
half-ruined building divided transversely into two chambers.
In front of the stairway are the remains of some rectangular terraces, one to two
feet high, on which are to be seen the remains of two “ picotes,” single upright stones
a few feet high, with their edges rounded off, supported on a square basement.
Further on to the south is a long mound with traces of columns and steps, of which
only a rough measurement was taken.
Returning now to the north end of the mound between numbers 6 and 7, traces
of two parallel walls can be just made out, marking the sides of a roadway which leads
towards the temple No. 9. At the distance of 250 feet these walls turning to the
right and left broaden out and become mere confused heaps of stones.
The wall turning to the west ends in the ruins of some structures, amongst which
remains of house-walls and columns can still be seen. The wall turning to the east
runs in tbat direction for about 230 feet, then again turns nearly at right angles
and separates the level plain from the rough ground to the east of it. This plain or
plaza is enclosed on the north and west by similar long heaps of stones, which vary in
height and breadth, and, as already explained, may in some places be the remains of
walls and in others of narrow buildings.
No. 9.—Standing almost in the centre of this Plaza is a square-based truncated
24 CHICHEN ITZA.
pyramid (Plate II., No. 9), which was ascended on all four sides by projecting stairways
and formerly supported a temple on its summit.
The whole structure is now much ruined. Part of the stairway on the east side
and the remains of the serpent-columns are shown in Plate XXV., a@ & 6.
The balustrade, like that of the Caracol, is formed of the twisted body of a serpent.
The head rests on the ground and the body must have curved up the balustrade and
down again so that the rattles of the tail lie just above the head.
All four stairways were similarly ornamented. On the summit of the mound (plan
on Plate XXIV.) portions of the square columns which supported the roof of the
temple are still in position; but the walls have almost entirely disappeared, their
foundations could, however, be traced without much difficulty. The plan of the
building is almost identical with that of the Castillo, which will be fully described here-
after, and such slight differences as there are between the ground-plans of the two
buildings will be then noted.
Mention may, however, here be made of two narrow blocks of stone, about five feet
high, which are still standing (a, a), on which there are faint traces of hieroglyphic
inscriptions, and which must have originally been fixed in the back wall of the
building.
Thirty feet to the east of No. 9 isa square terrace raised about 2 feet from the
ground, with a low heap of stones on the top of it, which may possibly be the remains
of an altar.
No. 10.—Four feet to the east of this terrace is a mound (Plate II., No. 10) 45 feet
square and 12 feet high, furnished with four stairways with serpent-head balustrades,
as though this structure were a miniature copy of No. 9. I was not, however, able to
find any trace of a building on the top of it.
About the same distance again to the east is another mound, 23 feet square and 7
feet high, with some fragments of columns on the top of it; but the whole structure
was too much ruined for a ground-plan to be made out.
CHICHEN ITZA. 25
No. 11.—Next in order comes one of the most interesting groups of buildings at
Chichén, the Tlachtli Court or Great Ball Court and the Temples attached to it
(No. 11, Plate I., and plans on Plates XXVI. and XXVII.). The main walls of the
court are parallel (see Plate XX VIII.), and each measures 272 feet in length, and they
stand at a distance of 119 feet apart.
There is a temple (A, Plate XX VI.) built on the south end of the cast wall, which
will be fully described hereafter. In all other respects the following description is
applicable to both the east and west. sides of the Court.
A terrace 5 feet 3 inches high, with a sloping face marked “a” in the plan, projects
10 feet from the wall into the Court and is continued into a broad platform beyond the
wall at each end. The perpendicular face of the main wall rises to the height of
22 feet from this terrace, or 27 feet in all from the ground. The top of the wall forms
a level platform about 16 feet 6 inches broad. On the outer side the wall slopes
downward at an angle of about 52°. All traces of the stairways, which must have
been placed on this sloping side, have disappeared.
On the top of the west wall are the remains of three small structures (6, 5), each
consisting of two parallel walls, perpendicular on the inner side, but thicker at the
top than at the bottom, so that each wall has the appearance of leaning outward.
The passage between these walls had apparently been roofed over and would have
afforded room for one person to be seated in it. ‘Two similar structures are found in
corresponding positions on the east wall, but the site corresponding to the third at the
south end is occupied by the Temple (A, Plate XXVI.). From the position of these
structures at the boundaries of the Court and exactly over the rings, I have little doubt
that they were used for markers’ or umpires’ seats.
A large stone ring was fixed in the face of each wall about three feet from the top;
these rings were probably intended to divide the length of wall evenly, but my measure-
ments make them about two feet nearer to the south than to the north end of the
Court.
Each ring with the tenon to fix it in the wall is carved from a single block of stone ;
the ring itself is 11 inches thick and 4 feet in diameter, and the hole in the centre
measures | foot 6 inches across. ‘The ring on the east wall is still in position, and
can be well seen in Plate XXX.; the opposite ring has fallen, and a near view of it is
given in Plate XXIX., a, showing the ornamentation of twined serpents, which is also
repeated on the other side and on the flat rim.
At the ends of the Tennis Court area are the walls marked X, X in the plan, which
are now reduced to tumbled heaps of stone, and almost in the centre of these walls,
facing the Court at either end, are the single-chambered Temples Band C. B is much
ruined, but portions of six sculptured pillars are still in place. OC is smaller and
raised on a somewhat higher foundation, and the two columns as well as the whole
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. III., April 1900. e
26 CHICHEN ITZA.
of the interior of the chamber have been covered with sculpture similar to that
which will be hereafter described in chamber E, but unfortunately it is too much
weather-worn for the designs to be made out. A view of this temple is given in
Plate XXIX.,, 6.
The game which was played in this magnificent court was, no doubt, much the same
as the Mexican Tlachtli, which is thus described by Herrera :—‘‘ The game was called
‘Tlachtli, which is the same as ‘Trinquete’ in Spanish. The ball was made of the
gum from a tree which grows in the hot country. This tree, when tapped, exudes
some large white drops, which soon congeal and when mixed and kneaded become as
black as pitch ; of this material the balls are made, and, although heavy and hard to
the hand, they bound and rebound as lightly as footballs, and are indeed better, as
there is no need to inflate them. ‘They do not play for ‘chases’ (al chagar), but to
make a winning strike (al vencer), as in the game of Chueca—that is, to strike the ball
against or to hit it over the wall which the opposite party defend. ‘The ball may be
struck with any part of the body, either such part as is most convenient or such as each
player is most skilful in using. Sometimes it is arranged that it should count against
any player who touches the ball otherwise than with his hip, for this is considered by
them to show the greatest skill, and on this account they would wear a piece of stiff
raw hide over the hips, so that the ball might better rebound. ‘The ball might be
struck as long as it bounded, and it made many bounds one after the other, as though
it were alive. They played in parties, so many on each side, and for such a stake as a
parcel of cotton cloths (una carga de mantas), more or less, according to the wealth of
the players. ‘They also played for articles of gold and for feathers, and at times staked
their own persons. The place where they played was a court on the level of the
ground (sala baja), long, narrow, and high, but wider above than below, and higher at
the sides than at the ends (fronteras). So that it should be better to play in, the court
was well cemented, and the walls and floors made quite smooth. In the side walls
were fixed two stones like millstones, with a hole pierced through the middle, through
which there was just room for the ball to pass, and the player who hit the ball
through the hole won the game; and as this was a rare victory, which few gained, by
the ancient custom and law of the game, the victor had aright to the mantles of all
the spectators; and when the ball passed through the hole it was an amusing sight to
see all the onlookers take to flight with much merriment and laughter in the hope of
saving their mantles, which others clutched on behalf of the victor, who had to make
certain sacrifices to the Idol of Trinquete and of the stone (ring) through which the
ball had passed. ‘To those who saw the feat performed for the first time it seemed
like a miracle, and they said that a player who had such good luck would become a
thief or an adulterer, or would die soon. And the memory of such a victory lasted
many days, until it was followed by another, which put it out of mind. Every Trinquete
CHICHEN ITZA. 27
court was a temple *, and at midnight on a lucky day two Idols—one of the game and
one of the ball—were placed on the top of the lower walls with certain ceremonies and
witchcraft; and in the middle of the floor they sang songs and performed other
ceremonies; then a priest from the great temple with other holy men came to bless
the court. Certain words were said, the ball was thrown four times, as in the
game, and after such ceremonies the court became consecrated and fit to play in, but
not before.”
At the south end of the east wall of the Court the foundation is carried out to the
eastwards for the distance of about 16 feet, so as to give space for the erection of
Temple A, Plate XXVL., of which an enlarged plan and section is given on Plate XX VII.
The surface of the sloping sides of this foundation is so much broken away that the
form of it cannot now be satisfactorily made out. The rounded stones at the corners
can still be seen and are marked in the plan.
From the general appearance of the ruined masonry on the south side, it may be
supposed that a stairway here gave access to the terrace (d) on the top of the wall,
and such a stairway (Plate XXVILI., ¢) has been marked in broken lines on the plan,
although no trace of the steps themselves now remains.
The approach to the Temple must have been by the two small stairways, e, ¢; but
no trace of the steps remains on the surface of the rough sloping rubble, and the
probable position of the steps is shown in broken lines. The more important stair-
way, /, which runs along the front of the building, could not possibly have given access
to it, as the steps commence at the top of the lofty wall of the Court, and I can
attribute no other purpose to them than that they may have been used as seats by
spectators of the game. ‘This stairway, 7; has a broad balustrade ornamented with a
design which is repeated on the outside wall of the chamber H, and will be figured
when that building is described.
The walls of the Temple are rather more than 4 feet thick, and on the outside are
strengthened by a buttress (g, 7) which rises to the height of 4 feet 7 inches.
Beams of wood were doubtless used as architraves to span the open front of the
temple, and were supported where they joined the side walls by two square pilasters
(h, h) and in the intervening space by two massive columns (J, J).
The pilasters h, 4 are ornamented on three sides with carvings of human figures
and grotesque masks (Plate XX XVIII. 4 1-6). The top stone of each pilaster is
missing; but the original height is easily ascertained, as a square notch cut in each
wall shows where the ends of the beams were fixed which lay evenly above the tops of
the pilasters and columns.
The columns (j, 7) are 3 feet 4 inches in diameter, and the bases, which measure in
total length 7 feet, are fashioned into the resemblance of huge serpents’ heads. (See
* The smaller courts appear to have had the ends closed.
e2
28 CHICHEN ITZA.
Plates XXX. to XXXIV.,a.) A forked tongue, carved on a separate stone, projected
for a distance of 2 feet 6 inches in front of each head. These tongues are not now in
position, but were found amongst the débris at the foot of the wall. The southern
column, including the serpent’s head, is formed of two blocks
of stone, the northern column of three blocks. These columns
rise to a height of only 7 feet 6 inches, and were surmounted
by a most extraordinary form of capital, consisting of two limbs
nearly at right angles one to another, cut from a single block
of stone: one limb covered the top of the column and formed
the capital supporting the wooden architrave, and the other
turned up in front of the building and was carved on its sides
and face to represent the rattles of the rattlesnake. The effect
gained from this arrangement is well shown in the restoration
of the building on Plate XXXII.
I had for some time been greatly puzzled by finding similar stones lying at the
bottom of the mounds (one can be seen in Plate XXV., a, at the foot of the stairway).
The markings on them were clearly meant to represent the tails of rattlesnakes, but in
no instance did I find one in position, and it was no easy matter to determine whence
they had fallen. The proper position at the top of the columns at last occurred to
me, but there was nothing beyond probability to guide me in determining if the tail
should be turned up or down; eventually one was found with very faint traces of
human figures carved on one side, and the position of these figures was conclusive
evidence that the tails were turned upward. However, whilst those investigations
were going on, no trace had been seen of any such capitals belonging to the two serpent
columns of the great Ball Court Temple; but, having formed our conclusions from the
other examples, we set to work and unearthed from the débris at the foot of the wall
the huge fragments of two such capitals, from which accurate measurements were
taken; and the thickness of those capitals, when added to the height of the columns,
was found to bring their upper surface exactly to the level of the top of the pilasters h, h,
so that the wooden lintel would lie evenly over them.
The form of the capitals must almost certainly have ensured the speedy destruction
of the building, for any decay in the wooden beams must have thrown the weight of
the roof outwards and made the upright tail into the arm of a lever to overturn the
whole mass. The Castillo (No. 15) is the only building constructed on this plan of
which the front is still standing, and in that case some stones falling from above had
knocked off both the upturned tails as well as the heads of the snakes, and so restored
the equilibrium; but this breakage had so thoroughly destroyed the character of the
columns and their capitals that they afforded me little help in making out the original
design.
CHICHEN ITZA. 29
The outside wall surfaces of the Temple are divided into panels, and these were
probably decorated with paintings. At the level of the spring of the roof is a string
course ornamented with intertwined plumed serpents; the head of one of these serpents
could be made out on the west corner-stone on the north side, but this detail is lost in
the photograph. Above this is a sunken frieze with a procession of jaguars between
round shields; above this another string course of twined serpents. Above this two
courses are decorated with a large plumed serpent ; the body of the serpent is carried
from one course to the other, the intervening spaces being filled up with circles and
short pilasters. I have endeavoured to show the decoration of this temple more
clearly by the restoration on Plate XXXII.
This restoration has been effected by carrying along the front the ornament which is
still visible on the sides and back of the building, so as to combine it with a view of
the rattlesnake columus. It is possible, and indeed probable, that the ornamentations
of the front and sides of the building were not precisely similar, but by adopting this
plan no ornament is introduced which is not still to be seen on the building or which
is not in keeping with the general design.
The open fretwork round the top of the building is in part problematical. The
edges of the flat top of the building are so much broken away that no trace of such
ornament could be found; but, as will be explained hereafter, there is good evidence
that such a fretwork decorated the top of the Castillo, and this restoration is made
from what was learnt from the study of that building.
The central ornament, composed of three crossed arrows bound with a ribbon, was
found among the fallen stones in front of the temple, and a similar ornament was lying
on the ground on the east side. ‘There is a tenon at the bottom of this ornament, and
the detail of the ornament is carved on one side only, which leads one to suppose that
the tenon was intended to be embedded in a horizontal surface, and the position
assigned to the ornament in the drawing seems to me a most probable one. Several
fragments of similar ornaments were found amongst the rubbish surrounding other
ruined buildings.
There are sufficient traces to show that the whole of the exterior of this building
was at one time brilliantly coloured, and it must then have presented a most striking
appearance.
The wall-surfaces of the interior of the building have also been decorated with
painted designs, but it is only in the inner chamber, where the roof is fairly water-
tight, that the paintings have escaped total destruction.
The wall dividing the two chambers of the Temple is 4 feet 6 inches in thickness.
The lintel of the doorway leading to the inner chamber is formed of several beams of
wood still in a fair state of preservation. Two pilasters (4, 4) supported an under-lintel
carved on its three exposed surfaces. The carving on the lower surface is destroyed ;
30 CHICHEN ITZA.
the outer surface and the principal part of the inner surface I moulded in paper, and
on Plate XXXV. is a drawing of all that can be made out of the designs *.
The arrangement of the pilasters and jambs gives five flat surfaces on either side of
the doorway (%, &, Plate XXVII.), all of which were highly decorated and are figured
in Plates XXXVI-XXXVIII. Part of the inner jamb on the north side has fallen
away. ‘The inner jamb of the south side was unfortunately not moulded, as moulding-
paper ran short. These sculptures are so much weather-stained that it was difficult to
get satisfactory photographs of them, the discoloration of the stone almost entirely
hiding the design, as can be seen in the photograph on Plate XXXIV.,6. No washing
or scrubbing of the stone had any beneficial effect, and the very successful photographs
given in Plates XXXVI. and XX XVII. were only obtained, after many experiments,
by washing the stone over with a distemper made from a coloured earth and finely-
powdered plaster.
In writing the description of his visit to this temple in 1843, Stephens says :—
“ Between these jambs we enter an inner chamber, the walls and ceilings of which
are covered, from the floor to the peak of the arch, with designs in painting, repre-
senting, in bright and vivid colours, human figures, battles, houses, trees, and scenes
of domestic life, and conspicuous on one of the walls is a large canoe; but the first
feeling of gratified surprise was followed by heavy disappointment, for the whole was
mutilated and disfigured. In some places the plaster was broken off; in every part
deep and malignant scratches appeared in the walls, and yiile individual figures were
entire, the connection of the subjects could not be made out.”
If such were the condition of the walls in 1843 I expected to find very little
remaining in 1888. However, although much of the plaster had fallen since the time
of Stephens’s visit, and the floor was heaped high with fragments of plaster and rubbish,
and although the paintings had been further ruthlessly damaged by visitors from the
neighbouring towns and villages, who, with the point of a charred stick, had written
their names in large letters all over the walls, yet there is still so much remaining of
great interest that I deeply regret not having provided myself with materials for
making tracings of all that is sufficiently distinct.
The fragments which I am now able to reproduce were traced on thin bank-post
letter-paper, then transferred to the linen-backed paper which had been prepared for
my large plane-table, and were coloured on the spot.
Plate XX XIX. shows a picture of a human sacrifice, which was painted on the
space between the top of the doorway and the spring of the roof. Unfortunately the
heads of the figures have all disappeared, as they were painted on the sloping surface
of the roof itself, whence all the plaster has fallen away. The body of the victim is
stretched backward, over a large stone, an attendant kneels to grasp its ankles, while
what I venture to call the serpent-priest stands over the body, and is probably about
* The grotesque snakes’ heads are omitted in the drawing Plate XXXY., 0.
CHICHEN ITZA. 31
to cut out the heart. ‘The green and yellow band in front of the priest is undoubtedly
part of the snake, which appears always to accompany the figure of the serpent-priest.
(Compare Plates XLI. and XLIII., c andd.) Another attendant holds a sort of banner
in his hand, and behind him stands a man whose body bears tattoo-marks, and who
appears to be also a victim for sacrifice and is being pushed forward by an attendant
wearing a short white garment and sandals. Three other figures are shown in the
Plate, which are possibly those of two other victims an:! a third attendant.
Plate XL. shows a small portion of the picture painted on the east wall (reduced
about a third). On the right is the end of a house with the red column or post of
the portico, under which is seated a female figure (not shown in the Plate).
Plate XLI. gives what remains of the picture of a battle which covered a consider-
able portion of the wall to the south of the doorway. Alas! I was only able to trace
the outline, and had neither time nor material for copying the colours. The Plate is
ze Of the size of the original drawing. The attacking party is led by the priest or
warrior under the protection of the plumed serpent. The town or village which is
being defended is composed of houses with thatch-roofs. The roof of each house
usually projects at one end beyond the walls so as to form a sort of portico or porch,
which is supported by two posts. The women who are standing among the houses are
apparently urging on their defenders or deploring their losses. ‘Three of them have
curious bulbous excrescences attached to their head-dresses or to the backs of their
necks. The weapons used by the warriors are the short spears, the ‘“ varas tostadas”
of the old Spanish writers, impelled with the aid of an atlatl or throwing-stick. The
warriors carry shields bearing devices which are so much worn that they could not be
made out, and over the shield there usually hung a feather cloak. The feather cloak
appears to have been painted on after the outline of the shield had been drawn, and
in some cases the feather-work has been almost entirely worn away, leaving the outline
of the shield still distinct. A similar method of first outlining the figure and then
adding all the details of dress and ornament is common to all the stucco-work
throughout Central America, and is particularly noticeable at Palenque.
At the base of the foundation of the Ball Court Temple, on the east side, is the
chamber marked E (see Plates XXVII., XLII., and XLIII.). ‘The outer half of the
roof had fallen, and the débris had filled up the chamber to the top of the square
columns. The removal of the fallen stones and rubbish was heavy work, but the full
view of the sculptured walls well repaid the labour. The whole of the surface of the
stone in the interior of the chamber, as well as the exposed ends of the walls and the
square pillars which supported the roof, have been covered with carving in low relief,
and this carved surface was at one time probably coated with a thin layer of plaster
and painted.
What remains of this decoration, so far as it can be satisfactorily made out from
photographs and casts of the originals, is figured on Plates XLV. to LI. The end
32 CHICHEN ITZA.
walls are supported by buttresses (1, 1), and were probably without decoration on the
outer side; but the exposed surfaces at m, m were adorned with sculptures shown in
Plate LI. The drawing on Plate LI. is taken from the carving on the face m,,
supplemented by two fragments (e and f) belonging to m,, and the probable connection
of the design is indicated in dotted lines.
There is no doubt that the general design on m, was similar to that on m,, but the
figures were different : unfortunately the face only of the figure on m, could be discovered
amongst the fallen stones; this is given on Plate LI. The figure on m, is encased in
a sort of armour made from the shell of a tortoise or turtle, and may have some
connection with the turtle-backed figure on the “ Inglesia” shown in Plate XVII., and
referred to on p. 19. The lower panel, on which the figure stands, represents a human
head issuing from the mouth of a plumed dragon; the design is similar to that on
the balustrade of the stairway (Plate XXVII., f) in front of the Ball Court Temple,
and is repeated elsewhere amongst the ruined buildings (see Plate LII., d and e).
The top stones of the two square pillars (Plate XLIII., ¢ and d) which supported
the roof of the building have unfortunately been displaced, and one of the displaced
stones which was found among the débris was so much weather-worn that the
design on it could not be made out. Reference to the photographs on Plate XLIII.
will show that the base of each face of the pillars is decorated with a grotesque face
to which is attached the water-plant and its accompanying fish, turtles, and aquatic
birds. (See also Vol. IV., Plate XCIIL, 0.) On the south pillar the figure standing
on this base is clad in the turtle-shell armour similar to that shown on Plate LI.
The figure on the north pillar is clothed in a skirt ornamented with discs and
crossed bones. Behind each figure is shown the curved body of a snake.
Between the columns was an overturned figure of a puma, very crudely carved, which
may have been used as an altar for offerings. It is seen restored to its place in
Plate XLIII.
Plate XLIV. gives a key-plan of the decoration of the interior of the chamber, and
the following Plates give detail drawings of the sculptures. An ornamental border and
five rows of human figures occupy the whole of the space. The ornamental border in
which the water-plant is the principal feature runs round the bottom of the wall. A
plain string-course separates this border from a row of elaborately decorated proces-
sional figures in line A, each figure, with one exception, bearing a spear in its hand.
The masks, head-dresses, shields, and ornaments of these figures deserve most careful
examination. From the mouth of each there issues a scroll which may indicate speech,
and above each head is a sign which possibly stands for the name or totem of each
individual, or the family which he represents. (See also Plate XXXVIII.) The
five lines of figures are separated from one another by string-courses formed of the
entwined bodies of snakes.
The middle figure in line B appears to be the serpent-priest, and the body of the
CHICHEN ITZS. 33
snake, which rises behind him, crosses the string-course so that its head occupies part
of line C. The figure in the middle of the line D is also a serpent-priest (or warrior,
for he carries atlatl and spears in his hands). In the top line E the central figure
of chief or deity, to whom the others are paying reverence, is seated on a jaguar throne
and surrounded by an aureola or halo of rays similar to those surrounding the figures
on the lintel (Plate XXXV.), where the same chief or deity is represented. Almost
all the other figures, except two on each side of the serpent-priest on line B, carry
atlatl and spears.
It might be suggested that the figure within the halo is the great serpent-god
whose representatives on earth, the warrior and the priest, are distinguished by the
presence of the snakes which accompany them, and that the grotesque mask whence
issues the water-plant with its fish and birds is in some way symbolical of fecundity.
The ornament = a = so frequently worn on the neck or in the head-
dress appears to me to be derived from the figure of a bird with outstretched wings and
tail. The quilted or feathered sleeve or cloak sometimes worn on the left arm must
have been intended for the protection of the body of the warrior when he was throwing
his spears, and the quilted or feathered bracelet on the right wrist probably assisted the
adjustment of the atlatl when the spear was being poised. Whether the discs, which
in so many instances appear to be attached to the waist-band, are war-shields it is
somewhat difficult to determine ; it seems just possible, bearing in mind the nearness
of this chamber to the Great Ball Court, that they are the pieces of hide stretched over
the loins which are mentioned in Herrera’s description of the game. The little bags
held in the hands of the warriors figured on Plate XX XVIII. are suggestive of slings.
It is worth noting that no bows and arrows are to be seen on any of the sculptures.
To the east of the Tennis Court is a long low terrace, Yo. 12. ‘Lhe stone facing all
round this terrace is decorated with scrolls carved in medium relief. This decoration
is, however, not continued round the projection of the terrace to the east, where the
masonry is somewhat higher and is approached by a few steps.
Close to this terrace is the small mound Wo. 13, which is now about 12 feet high,
and is approached on all sides by stairways with serpent-head balustrades. ‘The sides
of the mound were perpendicular, and were decorated with figures of jaguars, vultures,
&e. (Plate LII.,@ and 6). Near by is lying a figure (Plate LII.,¢) which appears to
represent a dead juguar. It is not possible to give an accurate description of this
mound, as it had been the site of one of Dr. Le Plongeon’s excavations, and I had not
time to remove the mass of stones and earth which had been dug out from the centre
and lay heaped up against the sides. But it was, I believe, in this mound that Dr. Le
Plongeon found the stone figure which he names Chac-Mol, which is now in the
Museum at Mexico. Similar figures are still to be seen in front of the serpent columns
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol,, Vol. Ill, April 1900. i
$4 CHICHEN ITZA.
of temples 18 and 25, Plate LX. (see also Plates LXIII. and LXV., 0), and the
fragments of a similar figure, measuring 2 feet 2 inches from the pedestal to the bend
of the knee, were found lying a short distance to the north of mound No. 12, Each
of these figures grasps with its hands the rim of a cup or bowl cut in the stone, and
from the position of these figures at the entrance of the temples it seems probable that
the bowls were used as receptacles for offerings or brasiers in which to burn incense.
Jo. 14, to the east of the last mound described, is also the scene of Dr. Le Plongeon’s
excavations. Jt is much to be hoped that this mound was properly cleared, and a
series of photographs taken of it before the excavation was commenced. It is very
difficult now to make out its sculptural decorations, as the whole of the centre has
been excavated and the stones and earth thrown over the sides, and it would have been
the work of many days to have removed the large heaps of débris. The height of the
mound is 14 feet, and the platform at the top, which was accessible on all four
sides by stairways of 12 steps, had apparently been covered with a level pavement of
large flat stones. Iwas unable to make out whether the stairways had serpent-head
balustrades. The side walls were buttressed to the height of about 2 feet, and above
this the slabs were elaborately sculptured, the same design, so far as I could ascertain,
being repeated on all eight sections, and consisting of ribbon plaits and a full-faced
view of a plumed dragon with a human head issuing from its open jaw. Above these
slabs was a string-course which was surmounted by a frieze on which was sculptured
a huge plumed serpent’s body and some figures of fish. ‘These designs are in part
shown in Plate LIL, d and e.
Some of the contents of this mound, dug out by Dr. Le Plongeon, are figured
on Plate LIII. in the position in which he left them. ‘They consist of a large number
of sugar-loaf-shaped stones about 3 feet 6 inches long and 6 inches in greatest diameter,
a circular stone cist 1 foot 10 inches high and 2 feet in diameter, with a plain stone
lid and a considerable number of plumed serpents’ heads. How these sculptured
stones came to be buried in the mound is a mystery; the serpents have clearly at one
time formed the external decoration of some building, as the end of almost every one
of the stones is provided with a tenon to fix it into masonry; but unless Dr. Le Plongeon
can afford information on the subject the use of these curious carvings is likely to
remain a mystery. There can be little doubt that Nos. 13 and 14 are the two small
paved “ theatros de Canteria” mentioned by Landa.
About a hundred yards to the North of No. 14 mound there is an opening in the
long line of masonry which runs eastward from the back of the temple C of the Ball
Court group, whence a passage 300 yards long between the remains of two walls leads
to the sacred ’Cenote.
The sides of this Cenote, Plate LIV., are almost perpendicular, and it is no doubt
the ’Cenote of sacrifice mentioned in the Valladolid report. A small and very much
CHICHEN ITZA. 35
ruined building stands on the edge of the ’Cenote ; one portion of it looks very much
like the remains of an oven, possibly for the baking of the earthenware figures
mentioned in the report. The ruins of this small building can be seen on the left
side of the photograph, Plate LIV., a.
Returning by the roadway and passing No. 14 there is next to be described the
loftiest and most conspicuous building in Chichén, No. 15, commonly known as the
Castillo (Plates LV. to LIX.). This must be the great Cue mentioned both in the
Valladolid report and in Landa’s description of the Ruins. There is considerable
difficulty in obtaining accurate measurements of the Castillo owing to the large amount
of fallen stone, but there is little doubt that the pyramidal foundation is not exactly
set square, and the building at the top shows considerable difference in the measurements
of its four sides.
The foundation is a truncated stone pyramid, measuring nearly 195 feet square at
the base and 783 feet in height. In the centre of each slope is a stairway which with
its broad balustrade measures 37 feet across. ach stairway projects 14 feet from the
base of the pyramid and rising at an angle of 45° comes flush with the face of the
pyramid at the top platform. The foot of the northern stairway is decorated with two
huge serpents’ heads, shown in Plate LVIII. The sides of the pyramid itself are
divided into 9 great steps, and the face of each step is divided into panels which were
probably adorned with paintings. The whole structure is stone-faced and has been
coated with plaster, excepting the level terraces formed by the great steps, which
appear to have been paved with a thick coating of cement only.
The ground-plan of this building is given on Plate LV. A broad entrance divided
by two serpent columns, similar to those shown on Plate XXXII., leads into the
northern chamber or porch *. The inner chamber is nearly square and is lighted only
from a door on the north side. Two square stone pillars covered with sculptured
ornament carry the carved wooden beams which support the triple-vaulted roof. ‘This
inner chamber is surrounded on three sides by an outer corridor having three doors,
each door fronting one of the great stairways. The lintels of all the doorways in this
building are made of beams of sapote wood.
It is difficult to form a correct idea of the sculptured ornaments of the temple, as
the carved wooden beams are weatherworn and have been ruthlessly mutilated, and
many of the stone sculptures are hopelessly weatherworn, whilst those of the central
chamber have been thickly covered with a coating of adhesive cement which is very
difficult to remove. Such sculptures as can be well seen are exceedingly crude both in
design and execution, and all seem to be below the average in artistic value.
The panels at the top and bottom of the carved columns and on the jambs of the
doors facing north usually contain grotesque figures with hands raised up as if
supporting a heavy weight. On one of the inner jambs of the central doorway the
f2
* See pages 27-28.
36 CHICHEN ITZA,
principal figure has a death’s head. One of the carved door-jambs from the north
porch and one from the western doorway are figured in Plate LIX.
It is very difficult to account for the coating of cement which covers some of the
sculptures. I am inclined to think that the designs must, at some time, have failed
to give satisfaction, and that they were plastered over and the columns redecorated
with colour only.
The top of the roof of the Castillo is quite flat, and has been covered with a thick
layer of cement, now much broken up by the roots of shrubs and other plants which
have found holding ground in it. Round the edges the cement has broken away and
some of the masonry has fallen, but fortunately the north-west corner is still intact,
and it was here that I had the good fortune to find in position portions of the Greek
fret ornament which had long been a puzzle to me, and which has been made use of
in the restoration of the Great Ball Court Temple.
T had frequently seen fragments of this ornament whilst making a survey of the site
of the ruins, and had been fortunate in finding two entire frets half buried in the side
of the mound No. 18 (see Plate LXII., 6). The tenons attached to them showed that
they had stood out from a surface of masonry, and I was inclined to fall into the error
of thinking that they had been let into the sides or corners of buildings somewhat in
the manner of the grotesque noses, until I had the good fortune to find three together
in position at this corner of the Castillo; rather more than half of each fret had been
broken away, but measurements and careful comparison with those found lying on the
eround make it almost certain that they were of similar design, and that they must
have formed an important feature in the ornament of the flat-topped buildings.
To the east of the Castillo is a large group of buildings which has not received
much attention from earlier visitors, and has never previously been surveyed or
described.
A plan (Plate LX.) gives the principal features on a scale of 50 feet to an inch.
Commencing at the northern end (No. 16) there are the remains of four rows of eight
columns, each 2 feet 6 inches in diameter, standing on a low terrace with an enclosing
wall running along the north and east sides. The fallen stones from No. 17 prevented
the continuation of the wall being traced on the south side. The north wall forms
the side of a rectangular mound which may at one time have served as the foundation
for a building. These walls are all buttressed on the outer side. In the centre of
the east or back wall are the remains of a doorway leading into an enclosed court
containing 20) columns.
This building, and indeed each group of pillared buildings shown on the plan,
presents very great difficulties in the matter of roofing; for not only has the roof in
each case fallen in, but there is not one instance of an architrave or a fragment of
roofing being found in position. In some cases the distance between the supports
CHICHEN ITZA. 37
is clearly too great to have been spanned by a stone roof constructed in the usual
form,
It must be borne in mind that the structure of the parallel-laid stone vault
necessitated a considerable weight of masonry to pin down the ends of the roofing-
stones (as was shown when describing the Casa Colerada), and that in the case of all
double-chambered houses, or with a triple-vaulted roof, such as that of the inner
chamber of the Castillo, it was always customary and perhaps necessary to fill in the
space between the vaults with rubble, so that each building had a flat outer surface to
the roof. If, therefore, three or four parallel rows of columns supported vaults of this
nature, on the fall of the roof a very large amount of débris would remain on the
ground, probably burying the bases of the columns to the height of three or four feet,
if not higher, and amongst this mass of fallen masonry the peculiar-shaped roofing-
stones would easily be distinguished ; but this is by no means always the case with
the buildings now under consideration.
In describing these buildings, therefore, I shall merely state the general impression
left on my mind after examining the amount of débris and noting the presence or
absence of roofing-stones, and postpone all discussion of the difficulties in the way of
constructing such stone roofs to the close.
In the case of Wo. 16 the front colonnade may have been stone-roofed, and there
are traces of additional stone walls between the columns which may have assisted in
the support of the vault; but the enclosed court at the back with columns of less
diameter was probably roofed with wood and cement, much in the same way as the
houses are roofed in Yucatan at the present time.
No. 17.—The next structure (No. 17) did not at first promise to repay for any time
expended on its examination ; it appeared to be merely a lofty mound of loose stones
and rubbish with steep sides, very dangerous to clamber over. However, two large
serpents’ heads at the foot of the slope on the west side and traces of steps showed
that it had once been ascended by a fine stairway. ‘Then my attention was attracted
by a large rattlesnake capital lying near the foot of the mound. | did not at that
time know the significance of these queer-shaped stones, and was constantly on the
look-out for information regarding them. ‘The fellow capital was next found lying
near the top of the mound close to some pieces of a feathered column. My attention
was now thoroughly aroused, and I made a careful examination of the mound, which
resulted in finding the serpents’ heads, belonging to the bases of the columns of the
doorway, still in place at the top of the steps, but so deeply embedded amongst large
fallen stones that I did no more than ascertain their position.
However, the shaft, capital, and base of the serpent column were all close together,
and from the position in which the capital had fallen, and the pose of some small
38 CHICHEN ITZA.
human figures carved on it, I was able to come to a definite conclusion regarding
the arrangement of column and capital which was fully confirmed by subsequent
observations on other buildings, and is shown in the plans and restoration of the
Ball Court ‘Temple.
Lying near the foot of the slope on the east side of the mound I had seen two of
the squat grotesque figures with their arms raised, as though intended to support a
weight, which are figured in one of Dr. Le Plongeon’s publications; and whilst
clambering over the steep slope on the same side I found the heads and hands of
similar figures sticking out from amongst the loose stones, and finally I was able to
make out that a double line of these figures had supported some broad stone slabs.
All their faces had been turned inward towards the temple, but the purpose of the
slabs and their caryatid-like supports was altogether a mystery to me ; however I had
not sufficient labourers at the time to commence an excavation, and I had unwillingly
to postpone any attempt to gain further information.
It was not until the last week of my stay that I was able to commence work on this
mound, and as time was very short we began excavation where the grotesque little
figures had attracted my attention. We succeeded in laying bare the whole of the
east faces of the sculptured columns, of which only the top stones were previously
visible, and they proved to be 9 feet high (see Plates LXI. and LXII., a). It was
found that the foundations of the side walls of the building had extended beyond the
two lines of figures and the slabs which they supported, but that no trace of the back
wall remained ; it had disappeared completely, and must now form part of the broken
stone and rubbish covering the slope of the mound. The whole of the interior of
the chambers up to the height of the tops of the columns, that is to say for 9 feet,
is filled up with the fallen roof and superstructure, and out of this mass trees of
considerable size are now growing.
I had no time to clear out the chambers beyond the edge of the columns, but no
doubt remained as to the plan of the temple; careful measurements were taken, and
the result is shown on the plan. The partition-wall dividing the two chambers could
just be traced where it joined the side walls, but the breadth of the doorway through
it could not be ascertained.
The slabs supported by the grotesque little caryatids must have formed an altar
running all along the back of the inner chamber, and parts of it are well shown in the
photographs.
The height of the foundation of the temple is about 25 feet.
No. 18.—The next mound to the south, No. 18, must have supported one of the
principal buildings in the city. Unluckily it is in the same ruined condition as the
last building described.
On a raised terrace in front can be traced the remains of 64 square columns in four
CHICHEN ITZA. 39
rows of sixteen each. I was unable to ascertain if these columns had supported a
stone roof, for although many roofing-stones are lying among the débris, these have
more probably fallen from the building above. Two stairways with a smooth slope
between them rise from the back of these columns and lead to a broad terrace, in the
centre of which is a broken recumbent stone figure (see Plate LXIII.). Another short
stairway must have led from this terrace to the temple, the doorway of which was
adorned with two serpent columns; portions of these columns and the two huge rattle-
snake capitals le scattered over the slope and the terrace below. The floor of the
temple is 45 feet above the level of the ground. The remains of square columns and
the indications of partition-walls can just be made out. ‘This building would probably
well repay excavation, as the back wall must be entire to the height of a few feet, and
it is more than possible that all the figures of an altar similar to that last described
would be found.
Still in position outside the south-east corner of the temple are the remains of a
large grotesque head which had formed part of the outside decoration of the walls.
The two stone frets figured in Plate LXII. were found lying among the loose stones
and rubbish on the south slope of the foundation.
No. 19.—Almost in line with the columns in front of No. 18, but at a lower level, is
a long colonnade (No. 19, Plate LX. and Plate LXIV., a) running to the southward,
containing 184 columns, arranged in four rows, each column 2 feet 2 inches in
diameter. The columns are round and are without any carved ornament, and, as is
always the case, each column is made up of a number of stones. The colonnade is
open to the west and closed on the east side by a buttressed wall.
At the south end of No. 19 a second colonnade (Wo. 20), containing 44 columns,
1 foot 8 inches in diameter, runs almost at right angles to the westward, and ends
in a mound which probably supported a building, but which is now a complete ruin.
There is comparatively little débris among the columns of the long colonnade, and
no roofing-stones could be seen, so that it is not likely that it supported a stone roof;
but the portion running to the west may possibly have had a stone roof, as roofing-
stones are numerous, and there are traces of walls running across the colonnade as
though it had been divided into several chambers.
From the north end of No. 19 another colonnade (Wo. 21) runs to the eastward.
Although the trees which cover this colonnade and the remainder of the buildings
comprised in the plan on Plate LX. are of small size, I did not attempt to remove
them, but contented myself with thoroughly clearing away and burning the under-
growth. ‘This was found to be the more expeditious method, and it was far easier to
take measurements on this partly cleared ground than to do so by clambering over
40 CHICHEN ITZA.
the innumerable half-burnt stems, as had been the case when measuring colonnade
No. 19.
The west end of No. 21 is partly enclosed by walls. There are four additional
columns on the north side which may mark some means of approach from the Temple
No. 18, but with this exception the whole of the north side of the colonnade is enclosed
by a wall buttressed on the outside.
The colonnade is open on the south side and is approached at “a” by a stairway
with serpents’-head balustrades. The columns are arranged in five rows, and it is
curious to note that the cross rows do not run quite at right angles to the direction of
the colonnade. ‘The first twelve columns of the front row are square and are covered
with sculptured ornament; the remainder of the columns of this row are also
ornamented, but are round and measure 2 feet 2 inches in diameter (see Plates LXIV., 0,
and LXV., a).
The columns of the other four rows are without ornament, all are round, and each
measures 1 foot 7 inches in diameter. All the columns are about 7 feet in height;
most of them are still erect, and many are crowned with a plain oblong capital, the
longest diameter of the capital lying across the colonnade.
The two lines 0, b mark the position of a passage through the foundation on which
the colonnade is raised. The walls are 4 feet high, above which is a vaulted roof
3 feet high, making the total height of the passage 7 feet.
As far eastward as the dotted line c,¢ the colonnade is choked up with débris
(possibly the remains of a stone roof) almost to the capitals of the columns.
Beyond the line ¢,c is a group of 25 columns (d) arranged at a slightly different
angle. As these columns are free from débris and clear almost to their bases they
probably carried a roof of wood and plaster. ‘This group of columns is approached by
a stairway divided into three flights of steps with carved stonework between them.
To the east of this group is an open space (é) with two small square stone pavements
near the centre. This is followed by another group of 25 columns (jf) with some
roof-stones and a considerable amount of débris lying amongst them.
To the north of the colonnade are two long high mounds (Wo. 22), on which the
remains of stone houses can be traced.
At the east end of the colonnade the buildings are continued in a southerly direction.
An oblong terrace (Vo. 23) supports a mound (g) on which a long single-chambered
house had been built; the interior of this house had been purposely filled up with
rubble, and on the top of it, at the south end, is a small chamber opening towards the
east, of which only slight traces now remain. On the terrace to the south of the
mound the remains of another small house (A), with three columns facinz east, can
just be made out. There were probably two rows of 18 columns each running along
CHICHEN ITZA, 4]
the west side of these buildings; the remains of the whole of the front row can be
seen, but only five of the second row could be made out amongst the tumbled mass of
broken stone which covers the terrace.
The terrace (23) projects on the east side to support a colonnade (j) of 45 square
columns arranged in five rows. There is a considerable amount of débris amongst
these columns, and a few roofing-stones, which may, however, have fallen from the
buildings raised on the foundation at “g.” No enclosing walls could be traced round
the colonnade, and I did not come to any conclusion with regard to the roofing. The
ground falls away to the north-east, and the scarp is faced with stone.
99
.
The next building to the south (Wo. 24) is set at a slightly different angle, and
appears to have been a house of five chambers, with roofs supported on two or three
rows of columns. The south end of it is covered with fallen stone from No. 25, but
in the plan I have completed the wall and added six columns of the southern chamber
and one column in the outer chamber to correspond with the north end.
No. 25.—The next building (No. 25) is an important temple of the type of Nos. 17
and18. The first terrace (/) is approached by a stairway with serpent-head balustrades.
On either side of this terrace are two small chambers with square columns in front,
the stone roofs of which have fallen.
A second stairway leads to another terrace on which lies a much worn recumbent
statue similar to that at No. 18 (see Plate LXV., 0). Beyond this is the temple itself
with two square serpent columus at the doorway. It is divided into two chambers,
each chamber having a row of four square columns down the middle. An altar of
stone slabs similar to that in No. 17, but supported on figures and small pillars
alternately, appears to have stood against the back wall. Now only the remains of the
slabs and figures can be seen sticking out of the mound. A chamber (1) can be
traced along the south side of the foundation, and this chamber is continued at right
angles in front of mound No. 26, which joins on to the south-east corner of No. 25.
On the top of No. 26 I could trace the foundations of a house with four columns in
front, but could not find any remains of the stairway by which it was approached.
The roof of chamber (/) probably formed a terrace in front of No. 26, and the approach
must almost certainly have been from this side. The whole of this part of the
structure is now such a tumbled mass of stone that I found it almost impossible to
trace the plan with anything like certainty.
From the south side of No. 25, and in front of No. 26, there runs a colonnade
No. 27, which, judging from the number of portions of columns lying about, appears
to have been continuous; but I could not be sure of the original positions of all the
columns, and those of which I was not able to find the bases in position are marked
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IIJ., Apri? 1900. g
42 CHICHEN ITZA.
with a dotted circle. Between the south end of No. 26 and the commencement of the
wall at “2,” there is little débris lying amongst the overturned columns, and this part
may have been roofed with wood and plaster.
This colonnade runs on, broken only where the absence of four colomns makes a
sort of courtyard or patio at “mn,” until it merges into the square colonnade No. 28,
which is enclosed on three sides by a wall about 2 feet 3 inches thick.
In the centre of this square colonnade, also, the absence of four columns forms a
sort of courtyard “0,” and there is again a break in the symmetry at “ p,” where walls
can be traced enclosing two columns out of line with the others.
To the east of Vo. 28 was a small group of houses with columns which I regret that
I had not time to measure.
From the north-west corner of No. 28 a long mound, Wo. 29, extends in a westerly
direction. It was approached by a stairway in the middle of the north side, which led
to a terrace, and at the back of this terrace were traces of four double-chambered
houses. Between these houses is a passage (g) leading into a courtyard, No. 30
(see Plate LXVI., a).
The floor of this court is about 5 feet higher than the ground outside the walls.
The enclosing wall, seen from the outside in Plate LXVLI., 4, in one place measures
18 feet in height from the floor of the court, but is nowhere entire. ‘There is no sign
of any other entrance to the court except that already mentioned at “ g. The square
depression in the centre of the court, marked with a dotted line, was surrounded by
columns which measured 14 feet in height, including the capital. ‘The corner columns
>
are the larger, each measuring 2 feet 2 inches across; the diameter of the others is
1 foot 9 inches. All the columns have fallen. ‘There is not much débris in the court,
and the height of the columns, their distance from the walls (24 feet), and the fact
that the wall where it is 18 feet in height shows no signs of the spring of a vault,
altogether precludes the possibility of those columns having supported a stone roof.
Although I have already stated that it was very probable that some of the colonnades
were roofed with wood and cement, No. 30 affords the only example I have met
with where it can be confidently asserted that some material other than stone must
of necessity have been used for roofing. It seems most probable that wooden archi-
traves connected the columns, and that beams sloping downwards from the outside
walls rested on these architraves, the central patio being left open. The interstices
between the beams were probably filled with rubble and cement, as in the modern
houses in the Spanish-American towns.
Stone-roofing of the type invariably found in Central-American ruins must have
presented great difficulties to the builders when a large space had to be covered with
columns alone as a support.
CHICHEN ITZA, 43
If, for instance, the colonnade No. 28 were roofed with stone (judging from the
construction of buildings still standing) a section at Y-Z would have presented the
appearance of the following figure, and it is hardly possible that over a large space
the columns alone could have supported such a superstructure.
However, at No. 28 the columns are buried almost up to their capitals in débris,
and this by itself would suggest that the usual system of roofing had been followed.
In hope of finding some explanation I made a careful examination of the surface of
the ground, and dug into it here and there to see if traces of any other supports could
be found, and was successful in making out part of the remains of three narrow walls,
7,7; and such walls have already been mentioned as occurring in the colonnades
Nos. 16 and 20. Iam therefore inclined to believe that such added walls were found
to be a necessity, and were freely used wherever the weight was found to be too great
for the column to uphold it.
“However, even with this additional support, such roofs must have been very
unstable; and this may account for the complete ruin of all the buildings where
columns have been freely used, whilst so many of those whose roofs were supported
by walls are still standing.
I could find no traces of buildings inside the irregular square formed by the
colonnades and temples shown on the plan; but at the south-west corner there are
two mounds, No. 31, with the ruins of houses on them, and the remains of a small
building (No. 32) enclosing two columns.
To the east of No. 26 are a number of ruined buildings of no particular interest,
some of which are indicated on the plan, and I was told that similar remains were
to be found for a considerable distance in that direction, but I did not perscnally
examine them.
SOOOs
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. III., Apri? 1902. h
44 TIKAL.
TE AT.
Tue ruins of Tikal lie on a limestone plain to the north-east of the Lake of Peten,
in approximately lat. 17° 10' N., and long. 89° 47’ W.
Bancroft * says: “The ruined structures of Tikal are reported to extend over a space
of at least a league, and they were discovered, although their existence had been
previously reported by natives, in 1848 by Governor Ambrosio Tut and Colonel
Modesto Mendez.”
The ruins were visited in the year 1877 by Dr. Bernoulli, who died on his way
home, and whose notes have unfortunately not been preserved.
I visited Tikél in 1881 and 1882, setting out each time from Coban, in Vera Paz,
and journeying northwards for ten days through the then almost uninhabited forest to
the Paso Real, the ferry across the Rio de la Pasion, where the Government maintains
a ferryman-and serviceable canoes for the passage of the river. Fourteen miles north
of the ferry stands the village of Saclic, or La Libertad, the headquarters of the
mehogany-cutters. Vrom Saclic a short day’s ride across the savanna country brings
one to the Lake of Petén Itza and in sight of the island town of Flores or Tayasal, a
few hundred yards from the south-east shore of the lake. From Flores we travelled
by night in canoes to the north-east shore of the lake to a place called El Remate,
marked by one dilapidated rancho, and thence on foot through the forest for about
thirty miles to the ruins of ‘Tikal.
The place is absolutely desolate, the nearest Indian villages being San Andrés and
some other small hamlets on the borders of the lake.
On neither occasion did my stay at the ruins exceed a week. The site of the ancient
town is so thickly covered with forest that during my first visit most of the time was
occupied in discovering the position of the more important buildings ; and although
in 1882 I sent men in advance to clear away some of the trees, I was not able to make
a satisfactory survey, and the Plan on Plate LXVII. is very imperfect and merely
indicates roughly the shape and size of the principal group of stone buildings near the
house in which I camped, and gives approximately the position of the five great
Temple Mounds.
Plate LXVIII. gives two general views of the site after the trees had been cleared
from the slopes of the principal temple mounds: (@) was taken from the doorway of
Temple A, looking westward, and shows Temple B at the opposite side of the Plaza,
* ©The Native Races of the Paeifie States,’ vol. iv. p. 135.
TIKAL. 45
and Temples C and E in the distance; (%) was taken from the doorway of Temple E
and shows the back of Temple C, and on the right, in the distance, the Temples B
and A. All around the dense forest extends as far as the eye can reach.
Tue Carvep LINTtELs.
Both the outer and inner doorways of the Temples were covered with lintels formed
of a number of beams of hard wood, probably the wood of the Chico Sapote tree.
Some of these lintels are beautifully carved.
After his visit to Tikal in 1877, Dr. Bernoulli induced a party of Indians to return
to the ruins and cut out and bring to him the carved beams which were in the best
state of preservation. ‘These beams were forwarded to the Museum at Basle, but no
notes accompanied them, and Dr. Bernoulli died soon afterwards in North America.
At the time of my visit to Tikal I had not seen the lintels preserved at Basle. A
few years later I was able to purchase plaster casts of the carvings, made at Basle by
M. Desiré Charnay, and quite recently I have been able to obtain good photographs of
the originals.
The lintel figured on Plate LXXVII. was so far complete that the Director of the
Basle Museum had been able to exhibit the carved beams pieced together in their
proper order. ‘This lintel I have ascribed to the inner doorway of Temple C, but am
by no means sure that this location is correct. The dimensions agree fairly well, but
on my original plan of the building there is written across this doorway “ Carved
beams much destroyed”; this note may, however, have been written on observing
some small fragment of carving on one of the ends of the beams left embedded in the
wall. On the other hand, the lintel may have been removed from the inner doorway
of Temple D, and its removal may have caused the fall of masonry which prevented me
from measuring the chambers of that Temple. I greatly regret that my memory fails
me in this matter, as the proper location of the carving is of great importance; and I
trust that the next visitor to the ruins will take careful measurements of all the
temple doorways and make moulds of all the carved beams which still remain in place,
however dilapidated their condition may be.
The fragments of the beams which I believe to have been taken from Temple A
have not bitherto been joined together, and it is only after a long study of the casts
and photographs that I venture to figure them as arranged on Plates LX XI. and LX XII.
My notes record that “two beams of the middle lintel (of Temple A) remain in place,
well carved in medium relief, but much decayed.” It will be seen from the plan that
the three lintels must have varied both in length and breadth. I am inclined to think
h2
46 TIKAL,
that the middle lintel must have represented some object of worship, and that the
carving on the three lintels formed one design, somewhat similar to the tablets of the
Temples of the Cross or the Sun at Palenque.
In the year 1875 an English traveller, Mr. J. W. Boddam-Whetham, visited the
Lake of Peten and purchased from the Indians at Flores two fragments of carved
beams, which he presented to the British Museum; one of these fragments I have
been able to restore to its proper place in the photograph and drawing on Plates
LXXI. and LXXIV. A photograph of the other fragment is given on Plate LXXL,
but its proper position cannot be ascertained.
Tumpie A. (Plates LXIX. to LX XIV.)
The base of the foundation-mound of this Temple measures 130 feet across the front
and slightly less on the sides. A steep stairway, 28 feet broad and projecting 19 feet
from the base of the mound, gives access to the Temple on the summit. A measure-
ment taken at the north-west angle from the base of the mound to the north-west
corner of the ‘'emple gave 104 feet.
The sides of the foundation-mound are stepped and panelled in a manner somewhat
similar to that shown in the plan and photographs of the Castillo at Chichén Itza (see
Plates LV. to LIX.).
The base of the Temple itself measures about 41 feet by 26 feet. Unfortunately
the detail measurements of the sides and back have been lost. ‘The height of the
Temple probably exceeded 45 feet, but part of the superstructure is broken away and
no accurate measurement could be taken. The exterior walls are plain up to the
height of the first string-course; above that the superstructure (which recedes in
steps) appears to have been elaborately decorated in front, but left plain at the back.
The very curious division of the side walls, which is a marked feature of all the Tikal
Temples, can be seen on Plate LXX., 0.
The interior measurements are correct, and show the three para’lel chambers
connected by broad doorways. ‘Lhe floor of the middle chamber is raised a step above
that of the outer chamber, ana the floor of the inner chamber is a step higher than that
of the middle chamber.
The outer doorway and the doorways between the chambers are covered with lintels
made up of four or five beams of hard wood, probably the wood of the Chico Sapote.
The section of Temple B on Plate LXIX. shows the usual arrangement of these lintels.
The outer and inner lintels in Temple A have disappeared, and these are probabiy
amongst the beams removed at the instance of Dr. Bernoulli in 1877, and now lodged
in the Museum of Archeology at Basle, photographs and a drawing of which are
TIKAL. 47
given on Plates LXXI. to LXXIV. Of the two fragments of these beams bought at
Flores by Mr. J. W. Boddam-Whetham, one is restored to its place in the photograph
and drawing on Plates LXXI. and LXXIV., and a photograph of the other fragment
is given on Plate LX XI.
Temple B. (Plates LXIX. and LXXV.)
The foundation-mound of this Temple appears to be divided into three stages
measuring about 80 feet on the slopes. ‘The height of the Temple itself, so far as I
could measure it from the foot of the doorway to the top of the superstructure, is
about 51 feet.
Some of the exterior ornament can be seen in the photographs. The beams over the
niddle doorway are ornamented with carving, now much decayed.
Tempe C. (Plates LXIX., LXXVI., a, and LXXVII. & LXXVIIL.)
The base of the foundation-mound measures 184 feet by 168 feet. A measurement
taken on the front slope from the ground to the foot of the Temple gave 112 feet.
The Temple contains two chambers only. The lintel of the outer doorway has
disappeared. ‘The beams which formed the lintel of the inner doorway are possibly
those removed at the instance of Dr. Bernoulli, and are figured on Plates LX XVII.
and LXXVIIT.
Tempte D. (Plate LXXVL,, 0.)
The dimensions of this Temple were not taken, but the two men standing in front of
the doorway in the photograph give some measure of its great size.
The interior of the Temple was entirely blocked up with fallen masonry, which we
were unable to remove.
Tempe E. (Plate LXXIX.)
This Temple is by far the largest of the whole group. It can be seen in the distance
in the photograph on Plate LXVIII.,@. The foundation-mound stands back on a
terrace 11 feet high, and the mound itself measures 280 feet across the base and
48 TIKAL.
160 feet on the slope. A ground-plan of the Temple is given on Plate LXXIX. It
measures about 98 feet by 42 feet. The outer doorway is 7 feet high. The extra-
ordinary thickness of the walls is most remarkable.
No other Temples in Central America offer such support to the theory that the
position and form of the buildings were due to astronomical considerations as those of
Tikal. The lofty elevation so as to secure a clear view, the evident desire to gain
length of axis, and the fact that all the Temples may be roughly said to face the
cardinal points, favours this theory, and it may be that we can trace the sequence of
the structures by their position. For instance, the Temples B, C, and E, facing the
rising sun, would follow one another in order of time; C would have been built when
the erection of A had impeded the fairway of B; and E would have been built when
the fairway of C had been obscured by the large group of buildings to the east of it ;
and it will be observed that this sequence follows the order of size—C being larger
than B, and E than C. The fairway of A, which faces the setting sun, is still
unimpeded, and there is therefore no larger temple facing in that direction. Unfortu-
nately at the time of my visits to these ruins I did not pay any particular attention to
the orientation of the temples beyond what was sufficient to fix their positions in the
general sketch-plan; indeed, I was not provided with instruments for an accurate
survey, even if I had had time to use them. I now especially regret that I did not
more carefully examine the smaller mounds in the neighbourhood of A and B, for I
am inclined to think that an earlier northern temple might be traced in the mound
marked f, which, when its fairway was interrupted, was superseded by the large
‘Temple D, whose foundation-mound stands on higher ground and still commands a
clear view.
I was able to secure only a rough outline-measurement of the large group of
buildings between Temples A and D. The house I lived in is marked * on Plate
LXVII. It had been a two-chambered house, but the wall of the outer chamber had
fallen away. The inner chamber measured 48 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 2 inches. A
photograph of the interior is given on Plate LXXX.,a. The north side of this house
and the house in line with it to the west form one side of a square courtyard. There
is a deep depression in the ground between the south side of these houses and
Temple D.
In several of the neighbouring houses the numerous small chambers are still intact.
The house marked g on Plate LXVIL. is one in a fairly good state of preservation,
and a ground-plan of it is given on Plate LXXIX. In some of the rooms there are
masonry benches raised about eighteen inches above the level of the floor.
TIKAL. AQ
Many of the doorways in this and the other houses are covered with lintels formed
of beams of hard wood without any carved ornament, and wooden beams were
commonly used in the form of struts across the gable-roofs, as can be seen in the
photograph, Plate LXXX.,@. It is worth noting that these beams are in many
instances quite sound, whereas at Palenque, where wooden lintels were also used, all
trace of wood has disappeared, the last small fragment of a wooden lintel having been
seen there by Stephens in the year 1840.
On the north side of the Plaza, between Temples A and B, are three square
foundation-mounds supporting the remains of ruined buildings which were probably
temples, and in front of them are a number of small stone stele and circular altars.
Some of them can be seen in the photograph on Plate LXX.,a@. The face of the most
important of these monuments is given on Plate LXXXI. A Maya chieftain or priest,
elaborately dressed, is holding in his hand what appears to be a ‘“‘ Mannikin sceptre,”
and a fallen enemy or victim lies bound at his feet.
The inscription is shown on Plate LXXXII., a & 6, and a drawing of the inscription
copied from these photographs is given on Plate LX XIX.
A flat circular altar ornamented on the side is lying in front of this monument.
Photographs of two other monuments are also given on Plate LX XXII.
Tikal is well worth the attention of future explorers, and would, I feel sure, amply
repay the labour of a lengthy and careful examination; but before such an expedition
could be successfully undertaken adequate preparations must be made.
The difficulty lies principally in the want of a sufficient supply of water. Every
drop of water we used had to be brought tke distance of a mile anda half from an
overgrown muddy lagoon not more than 150 yards wide, and it was so thick and dirty
that I never dared to drink it until it had first been boiled and then filtered; my
Indian workmen, who refused to take any precautions, suffered considerably from
fever.
A few years before the date of my visit to Tikdl a party of Indians from the borders
of the lake had attempted to form a settlement in the neighbourhood of the ruins.
The solitary survivor of this party accompanied me as a guide, all the others having
died of fever. This man told me that the small lagoon was the only source of water-
supply, and that the nearest rnnning stream was a branch of the Rio Hondo, some
miles distant. The ancient inhabitants probably stored water in “chaltunes,” the
underground cisterns which are found in such large numbers amongst the ruins in the
north of Yucatan ; I discovered two such cisterns beneath the floor of the plaza, but
had not time to clear them out.
I have always deeply regretted that previous to my visits to Tikal I had not learnt
how to make paper moulds, as copies of the inscriptions on the stele and the remains
of the carved wooden beams in the Temples would be of great value to archeologists.
When I was on the frontier of British Honduras, in the month of April 1887, I tried
50 TIKAL,
to remedy this omission by despatching two of the Lopez brothers and five or six
Indian mozos with orders to go straight to Tikal (about a five days’ journey) and to
make paper moulds of all the monuments and carvings which we had noted in 1882,
but the expedition resulted in complete failure. The men reached Tikal in safety,
but could find no drinking-water during the last part of the journey, and when they
arrived at the small lagoon near the ruins which had afforded us a supply in 1881 and
1882 it was only to find that it was completely dry.
There was nothing to do but to make the best of their way back again, and their
sufferings were severe, as for three days they had nothing to drink beyond what they
could collect from the water-lianas growing in the forest.
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F. DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCHAOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Vou. IV.
@Q@ EXT.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY,
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
1896-1902.
oN
ALERB GC FLAMMAM,
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
CONTENTS.
ARCHAOLOGY.
Vou. IY.
(TEXT.)
PALENQUE,
IPERSONAEP NARRATIVE? (on eel iota ai ici cay al tet) iet alle
Principat NoricEs aND DESCRIPTIONS oF THE Ruins . . ~ « « + e+ + -
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE .
DerarLep Description OF THE PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES.
The Palace :
Hempletor inscriptions i -1en. i aielcecteier- 0-i) poy hen at oi) Oreo Testun
MempleyofGhe; Crosse euwve esi = Mice! Wise =e olla en cnn scdletal ory 'y sVearoNy i otal=
Templejofithe Poliated) Cross) i059 2 fe) a 9s) 2) ce yell) (eyo ome
Mem pleyoLithes Sumy cee yey te! eso a
Death’s Head Monument .
Eousexofatheplionenepeverateperennis decison act urcip oti ota en oe) oe -TN-/nt ane 1
Mirewouthernibempleer cs) metals ese i es stk esse so) ric cme
Thre Northerne Dem plesiig arenes arc) hive om oi wren trem nceyl: (ol Mion Medias
Porrery APES TERE ee itty Rate on ory as een APE arse Tae te MC ami apie inaerobierc GD
Gee Riana Cre IDA 2 5 gl Gato Go. GG 1o Oso oo! Goa 0 ah 46
Tur Two-HEADED Dragon. . . =. 2. «© -@
Cra ti WENT BD SICILAN Dienenmiaeg nieve ener remiss oul ares Nematodes) acy tener sit eile
Pages
1-6
7-8
8-11
T1-26
26-27
27-29
30
31-32
32
32-33
RUINS OF PALENQUE.
PersonaL NARBATIVE.
PRoFITING by my experience at Chichén Itz4 in 1889 I prefaced the expedition to
Palenque in 1890-91 by a visit to the city of Mexico, where the English Minister,
Sir Spencer St. John, gave me the kindest assistance in obtaining from Sefior Mariscal,
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a letter of introduction to the Governor of the State of
Chiapas, as well as a general letter of recommendation addressed to all local officers.
Thus equipped I started for Palenque, crossing the Gulf from the port of Vera Cruz
to Progreso in Yucatan, and thence travelling in a small coasting-steamer to the port
of Laguna. Here the usual delays commenced ; the arrival of my heavy baggage was
delayed by storms in the Gulf, and when it did arrive, although the Federal Govern-
ment had given orders that everything should be passed through the Custom House
free of duty, the Customs officials found it necessary to open every package, weigh the
contents, and make out elaborate lists—much more, I believe, to satisfy their own
curiosity than, as they stated, to ensure the unquestioned passage of my baggage into
the neighbouring State of Chiapas. There was then a further delay before arrange-
ments could be concluded for the hire of a small steamer to convey us and our baggage
across the Laguna del Carmen and up the River Usumacinta as far as the village of
Monte Cristo. At Laguna I was joined by Mr. Hugh Price, who had come out from
England as a volunteer to join the expedition and undertake the work of surveying
the ruins. We had also an addition to our party in M. Ludovic Chambon, a young
Frenchman on a tour through Mexico, who was desirous to see something of its
antiquities,
The passage from Laguna to Monte Cristo should have taken about thirty-six hours,
but, what with running on sandbanks and the breakdown of machinery, it took us
three days and two nights. The mouths of the Usumacinta are unrivalled in Central
America in the size of their alligators and the number and ferocity of their mosquitos,
and at the narrow entrance of the river we stuck fast with a falling tide and passed
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IV., Apri] 1896. b
2 PALENQUE.
the first night in torment. Above this narrow passage the river widens out, and, after
passing the fork above Palisada (whence half the water flows out into the Gulf by the
Frontera mouth), the Usumacinta is a magnificent broad river.
We parted with M. Chambon at Monte Cristo, as he was to continue his voyage in
the steamer as far as Tenosique, on his way to visit the ruins of Menché, which are
now much more easily accessible than when I visited them from Guatemala in 1882.
At Monte Cristo I met with much kindness and assistance from Don Carlos Majarres
and Don Adolfo Erezuma. When all my baggage was safely housed I looked about
for means of transport to the village of Santo Domingo de Palenque, distant about
thirty miles inland.
Here I was met by fresh difficulties. The natives rely almost entirely on the network
of rivers and lagoons for the carriage of their goods, and our course lay away from the
river-system, It is true that I could have availed myself of water carriage as far as the
lagoon of Catasajd, but this would have involved a long detour, and we should still have
been distant about fifteen miles from our destination. ‘There were no Indian carriers
to be found in Monte Cristo or its near neighbourhood, and the half-castes are not
accustomed to carrying loads on their backs. We were indeed offered the use of two
cargo-mules, but these were of little use to us, as there was no such thing as a pack-
saddle in the village. A messenger was then despatched to Santo Domingo to see if
cargadores or pack-mules could be obtained at that village, and after waiting a few
days three wretched-looking beasts of burden with old rotten pack-saddles made their
appearance accompanied by a few Indian carriers. With these were despatched the
first instalment of the baggage, and we then had to wait patiently for their return. At
the end of ten days, by pressing into our service some Tumbala Indians who had
brought the produce of their gardens for sale in Monte Cristo, and were returning to
their homes by way of Palenque, and by putting my own three pack-saddles on to the
mules we could hire in the village, we were able to make a start for Santo Domingo.
The weather had been lovely since our arrival at Laguna; but the season of
“ Northers” was not yet over, and heavy rain had been falling in the direction of the
mountains, and we found the track so bad that it was necessary to make a considerable
detour and to stop for the night at the cattle-ranche of San Filipi, the only habitation
on the road. The track is fairly level, passing alternately through patches of forest
and open savannah. ‘The ground very gradually rises from the valley of the Usuma-
cinta towards San Filipi, and then dips again to the course of a small stream before
rising to the village of Santo Domingo, which is picturesquely situated in a clearing
of considerable size carpeted with short grass, which grows right up to the doors of the
houses. All around is thick woodland, but to the south the land again falls, and there
is a good view across the valley of the Chacamds river to the Sierra, which begins to
rise at the distance of about half a league.
Many years ago Santo Domingo de Palenque was a place of importance, as it stood
PALENQUE. 3
on the main road of communication between the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala; but
this route has long ago been given up, and Palenque has dwindled away to a village of
half-a-dozen white and Mestizo families and a small community of Indians.
The ruins are six miles distant from Santo Domingo, and the first thing to be done
was to open the track to them, which was completely grown over, and to make
arrangements for a regular supply of labourers. At first all promised well; my
general letter to the officials had a considerable effect, and my letter to the Governor
of the State had been already forwarded to him from Laguna. Palenque is seven days’
journey from San Cristdbal, the residence of the Governor, and two days’ journey
from El Salto, the residence of the Jefe Politico, so that some time passed before the
answers to my letters reached me, but when they did arrive they were of the most
satisfactory character.
Unfortunately, free voluntary labour is almost an unknown thing in these countries,
and without the aid of the local authorities nothing can be done. I had asked for
thirty labourers, and these were promised me; but the number which came to work
did not at first exceed fifteen, and gradually dwindled to three or four.
We stayed in the village for a week, riding backwards and forwards daily to see to
the construction of rough bridges across the narrow streams on the road, and to the
clearing of the most habitable-looking buildings amongst the ruins.
On the Ist February we were joined by M. Chambon, who had returned from his
visit to Menché, and the track now being practicable for pack-mules we all set out to
take up our residence in the ruins. We expected discomfort, and certainly did not
escape it; the showers were heavy, and the walls of the buildings were running with
water, and only a few square yards could be found in the best-preserved building where
the drip from the roof was not continuous. We had to do our own cooking, and only
from six to a dozen men came from Palenque to work each day. At the end of a week
we were told that no more labourers could come for some days on account of the
Carnival, so I rode back to Monte Cristo to look after the remainder of our baggage
in company with M. Chambon, who was continuing his journey through Mexico.
On the 12th February I returned to the ruins. During the next few days we had
some heavy rain. On the 16th we received a visit from the Jefe Politico, Don Amada
Salozorgo, who regretted the small supply of labourers and assured me that there
would be no difficulty on that account in the future. He told me that all the able-
bodied men in the Province had to give four days’ work on the roads, and as all the
principal road-making was now being carried on at some distance from Palenque, that
the contingents from Santo Domingo and its neighbourhood and from the larger village
of Las Playas de Catasaja should be sent to work at the ruins—fifteen men to come
from Santo Domingo and fifteen from Las Playas, to remain four days, when they would
be relieved by other companies,—that I should pay the wages of these men to the
municipal officers, who would employ the money in hiring labourers for the roads in
62
4 PALENQUE.
the more immediate neighbourhood of the work, and that in addition to this he
would send a company of twenty-five Indians from one of the larger Indian townsin the
Sierra. This arrangement filled me with the hope that I should be able to accomplish
the work I had taken in hand as thoroughly as 1 could desire.
On the 20th February I was glad to welcome my old friends and companions
Gorgonio and José Domingo Lopes, who had ridden over from Guatemala to join me.
Gorgonio brought his son Caralampio with him, a bright boy of fifteen, who was a
useful addition to the party, so that now there was no lack of overseers.
On the 23rd a company of Indians arrived from the Sierra, and about the same time
a contingent came from Las Playas, and for two or three days there were about fifty
men at work. ‘Then the number began to fall off again, and by the 28th we were left
without a single labourer. After this the numbers varied from thrce to sixteen until
the 16th March, when again we were left without any labourers. It was most
disheartening, for, believing in the Jefe’s promises, I had commenced work on rather a
large scale, and now it seemed as though much of the work which I looked on as
essential would have to be left undone.
Letters and messages to the Jefe and the other local authorities were of no avail ;
they produced only a fresh crop of promises which were again broken.
It was of little use writing or telegraphing to San Cristdbal or Mexico—the former
was distant a week’s journey, and the nearest telegraph-station at San Juan Bautista
was not much nearer. However, in my extremity I did both. A little help dribbled
in from Las Playas and Santo Domingo, and at last my importunities at the Jefetura
secured the services of twenty ‘Tumbala Indians for a week.
We ourselves were, of course, not idle during this time. The brothers Lopes worked
with indomitable energy at moulding the inscriptions, a work that fell all the heavier on
them when there were no labourers to carry up the water from the stream and to cut
and stack the large quantity of firewood needed for the drying-fires. The inscriptions
in the four detached temples were of the greatest importance, and these were the first
to be moulded. This work had occupied us about three weeks, and some of the moulds
were dry and had been stored on the scaffolds and shelves which we had put up in the
temples for the purpose, and others were in the course of being dried, when a sudden
storm burst on us in the night. It would have been most dangerous to have attempted
to cross the plazas and climb the pyramids over the loose stones and recently-felled
trees on such a night, and we could only trust that the waterproof covers which we
had placed over the moulds would afford them sufficient protection. Alas! the heavy
rain continued all the next day, and to move the moulds was impossible, even if any
drier places could have been found in which to store them, ‘The undried moulds
which had been left adhering to the sculptured slabs were almost washed away by the
continual trickling of the water, and our efforts to protect those which were already dry
and stored on the shelves were of little avail, The buildings were sopping wet, the
PALENQUE. 5
walls running with water, and the roofs dripping water in all directions, and when at
last the weather cleared and we could carry out the pulpy paper-moulds into the sun-
shine it was found that most of the work would have to be done over again.
During the time labourers were so scarce Mr. Price and I were chiefly occupied in
clearing off the incrustation of carbonate of lime which covered and sometimes almost
obliterated the stucco ornamentation on the piers and walls of the temple. This was
work which we found could not be entrusted to other hands, as it needed not only the
greatest care but some knowledge of the design of the ornament which was being
uncovered. We had not come especially prepared for this work, but luckily we found
that some large screwdrivers, with the addition of some wooden mallets and bradawls
and some smaller screwdrivers from our gun- and instrument-cases, answered very well
as tools for our purpose. In some places the incrustation had formed a coat of lime as
much as six inches thick, but when as thick as this it was generally soft and could be
separated from the face of the stucco without much difficulty, although the job was a
very tedious one. When, however, the coating was thinner it was almost always much
denser, and often only a few square inches of the moulding could be cleared in the
course of a day, and we found it absolutely necessary to use spectacles to protect our
eyes from the hard flint-like particles which flew off at a blow given to the chisel.
Here and there the attempt to clean the stucco ornament had to be given up altogether,
as the incrustation had formed a hard covering, whilst the stucco beneath had become
disintegrated and soapy and had no surface left.
In some cases the stucco, although still hard, was broken in all directions and only
held in place by the deposit on its surface. When the incrustation could be removed
in large pieces and the surface of the stucco was sound, we sometimes found the colours
with which it had been painted still retaining something of their former brilliancy.
In order to secure good photographs I found it necessary to bring the stucco orna-
mentation to an even tone by washing it over with a distemper of wood-ashes and flake
white, which did no harm to the moulding and was all washed off again by the first
shower of rain.
The terraces in front of the buildings were so narrow that no photographs of the
ornaments on the piers could be taken without building out scaffolds on which to place
the camera, and this entailed a large amount of extra work.
I had hoped to take large-sized photographs of all the ornamented piers, but unfor-
tunately, through some error oa the part of the shipping agent in New York, the case
containing the 12x10 inch camera was not forwarded with the other boxes; and
although the mistake was found out and the case at once sent after me, I had left
Laguna before it arrived, and the delay in forwarding it up the country was so great
that I was obliged to do all the work on the piers with a smaller camera and a
83 X 64 inch plate.
Although some of this detail work of photography could be got on with, the general
work both of photography and survey could not be commenced until fire had been run
6 PALENQUE.
through the clearing—in fact until that was done it was a difficult gymnastic exercise
to get about from one building to another. Unluckily we missed the first opportunity of
burning the fallen bush when it was thoroughly dry after some excessively hot weather
in the month of March. It is always a great advantage to burn off the whole of a
clearing at one time, and I was then still hopeful of getting some more of the ground
cleared towards the south, where there was no heavy timber, when a sudden and
unexpected rain-storm broke on us. After that several “northers” accompanied by
heavy rain rendered firing impossible. Three times the plaza through which the
little stream runs was completely flooded, and in the buildings which we inhabited the
drip from the roof began afresh, and the floor of the chamber which I had arranged as
a dark room for photography was some inches deep in water.
It was not until the 15th April that we were able to put fire through the clearing,
and then within two days Mr. Price laid out his base lines for the plane-table survey,
and I was able to take the large-sized views which appear amongst the plates.
On the 12th May we returned to the village of Santo Domingo, and a day or two
afterwards arrived at Monte Cristo. Here I parted from Mr. Price and the Lopeses,
who were going, by way of Peten, to Coban in Guatemala, and I afterwards learnt that
they had a very hard journey, suffering much at one time both from want of food and
water and later from excessive rain.
During our stay at the ruins we suffered from no fevers or other tropical maladies,
The bright little stream afforded capital bathing-places, and the drinking-water,
although heavily charged with lime, seemed to agree with us all.
The northers and heavy rains were no doubt later than usual, but we had one
unusually hot week in March, when the thermometer inside the houses frequently went
up to 94°, and during this week the nights also were hot; usually the nights were
pleasantly cool, and but for the myriads of mosquitos would have been most enjoy-
able. However, we could generally find some spot where there was a cool breeze and
we could escape their attacks; and the beauty of the moonlight nights when we sat
smoking and chatting on the western terrace looking on to the illuminated face of the
Temple of Inscriptions and the dark forest behind it will never fade from my memory.
Towards the end of April, and until the end of our stay, the days again became
hotter, but heavy clouds occasionally shaded us from the sun, and we never again
experienced the torrid cloudless days we passed through during the one hot week in
March.
PALENQUE. 7
Principat Notices AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RUINS.
It appears that the ruins of Palenque became known to the Spaniards in the middle
of the eighteenth century, and that they were first examined and reported on in the
year 1775 at the instance of Don Ramon de Ordofiez y Aguiar, who forwarded a
“Memoria relativa a las ruinas de la Ciudad descubierta en las in mediaciones del
Pueblo de Palenque” (a MS. formerly in the collection of the Abbé Brasseur de Bour-
bourg) to Don José Estacheria, President of the Audiencia of Guatemala.
At the order of the President the ruins were again examined and reported on in
1784 by José Antonio Calderon. A French translation of Calderon’s report is given
in Brasseur’s Introduction to Waldeck’s work. During the next year the survey was
continued by the architect Antonio Bernasconi. Upon Calderon’s and Bernasconi’s
reports Don Juan Bautista Mufioz, the Royal Historiographer, drew up a memorandum
addressed to Don José de Galvez, Marquis de la Sonora, dated 1786, and now preserved
together with Bernasconi’s pencil-drawings in the British Museum. (Spanish MSS.
Add. 17571. Desgubrimientos en el Pueblo de Palenque, etc.)
In 1786 the work was carried on by Antonio del Rio, and a report signed by him,
and dated Palenque 1786, but partly in the handwriting of Don Juan Bautista Muiioz,
is included in the volume of British Museum, MSS. quoted above. Bound up with
this Report are four coloured maps of the ruins of Palenque, and some drawings which
are evidently fair copies of the pencil-drawings already mentioned, attributed in the
catalogue (drawn up by Don Pascual de Gayangos) to Bernasconi.
An English translation of the Report, under the title of ‘ Description of the Ruins
of an Ancient City, discovered near Palenque,’ was published in London in 1822 by
Henry Berthoud, and illustrated by seventeen lithographic plates signed by Fred.
Waldeck. It is doubtful whether these plates are taken from del Rio’s drawings, and
it is more probable that they were adapted from the drawings made by Castaneda in
1807.
The following quotation from del Rio’s Report accounts for some of the yawning
holes to be found in the pavements and walls of the temples:—‘*I was convinced
that in order to form some idea of the first inhabitants and of the antiquities con-
nected with their establishments it would be indispensably necessary to make several
excavations...... By dint of perseverance I effected all that was necessary to be
done, so that ultimately there remained neither a window nor a doorway blocked up,
a partition that was not thrown down, nor a room, corridor, court, tower, nor subter-
ranean passage in which excavations were not effected from two to three yards in
depth.”
In 1807 Captain Guillermo Dupaix, accompanied by a draughtsman Luciano
Castafieda, in the course of a three years’ survey of the ruins of Southern Mexico,
8 PALENQUE.
visited Palenque, but, owing to the outbreak of the revolution in Mexico, both Dupaix’s
Report and Castafieda’s drawings were lost sight of for some years.
In 1851 the report and some of the drawings were published in Lord Kingsborough’s
‘Mexican Antiquities,’ and in 1854 both report and drawings were published in ‘ Anti-
quités Mexicaines’ (Paris, 1834).
In April 1832 M. Fred. de Waldeck arrived at Palenque and commenced a survey
and examination of the ruins which extended over two years. ‘The results of his
labours were not, however, published until 1866, when the French Government
undertook the task and published the ‘Monuments Anciens du Mexique’ with an
Introduction by the Abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg, in large folio, illustrated by 56 litho-
graphic plates of Waldeck’s drawings and plans, 35 of which relate to Palenque.
Meanwhile, in 1840, Stephens and Catherwood had visited Palenque, and published
in 1841 an interesting description of the ruins, and many excellent drawings (‘ Incidents
of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan,’ vol. ii., and Catherwood’s ‘ Views,’
plates vi. & vii.).
In ‘Ruines Américaines’ (Paris, 1863), M. Désiré Charnay gives four photographs
taken during his visit to the ruins in 1858, and in ‘Les Anciennes Villes du Nouveau
Monde’ (Paris, 1885) he gives an account of his sojourn in the ruins in 1881-2, with
numerous illustrations taken from photographs and casts.
A large number of shorter and less important notices have been published from time
to time, and a careful biblicgraphical note is to be found in Bancroft’s ‘ Native Races
of the Pacific States,’ vol. iv. pp. 289-294, and there is also much information in
‘Notes on the Bibliography of Yucatan and Central America,’ by Mr. Ad. F. Bandelier
(Press of Chas. Hamilton, Worcester, Mass., 1881).
{
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE.
(See Plan on Plate I., and sections on Plate II.)
The ruins of Palenque are situated in the Mexican State of Chiapas, in N. lat. 17°
29' 30", and W. long. (approximate) 92° 5! 20".
They stand on a narrow shelf on the northern slope of the foothills of the Sierra de
las Naranjas. ‘This range here runs nearly east and west, and overlooks to the north
a level plain of forest and savannah land extending about seventy miles to the shores
of the Gulf of Mexico.
The track from the village of Santo Domingo to the ruins follows a W.S.W. direction
PALENQUE. 9
for about five miles, and then after crossing the Michol and another small stream,
ascends the broken limestone cliff dividing the plateau on which the ruins stand from
the plain below; the small stream already mentioned tumbles in a succession of
cascades over its rocky bed on the left of the track, and one of the first things to strike
the attention soon after reaching the plateau is a stone dam thrown across the stream
and pierced by a tunnel so as to forma bridge. The first building which comes in
sight a hundred yards beyond this bridge is the N.E. corner of the Palacio.
The extent of the ruins has been variously estimated, almost always with a tendency
towards the marvellous: nine square leagues, twenty-two miles in length, larger than
London, are estimates given by different writers, but Iam unable to find any reason
to justify them. No doubt artificial mounds and the remains of ancient buildings may
be met with all along the slope of the sierra which inclines towards the great delta of
the Tabasco River, for the situation presents many attractions, the soil is capable of
supporting a large population, and the inhabitants may have taken advantage both of
the highlands behind and the level plain below them for the cultivation of their crops.
The climate, although damp, is markedly cooler than that of the plain, and a short
day’s journey from almost any part of the foothills would bring a traveller to one of
the innumerable waterways which form a network over the delta.
The plateau on which the principal buildings of the Palenque group of ruins stand
is not naturally perfectly level, but had a considerable slope downwards towards the
north. ‘This gradually sloping ground has been divided up and terraced into a number
of comparatively level plots.
The forest which clothes the sides of the sierra is very dense, and any accurate
measurement of the extent of the group of ruins would be a matter of great difficulty.
Our clearing did not extend beyond 150 acres, and even our excursions round the
borders of the clearing and for some little distance into the forest did not enable us to
form any very accurate judgment, and only the following vague statement can be
made :—
Following the four sections into which the Plan on Plate I. is folded: to the east of
Section A the hills rise steeply, so that building was not practicable and only a few
small mounds are found in that direction. ‘To the east of Section B one small mound
of hewn stone crowns the high hill which can be seen in the background of the
photograph on Plate XIV. It was a site likely to be chosen for a sinall adoritorio or
for a look-out station, as it commands a magnificent view of the plain.
The chambered mounds marked in Section B do not extend far beyond the margin
of the plan, and the land to the south rises steeply, and no trace of buildings could be
found.
No buildings could be seen on the hillside to the south of Section C, but at a lower
level, following the sweep of the hill from the Temple of Inscriptions towards the
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. 1V., April 1896. Cc
10 PALENQUE.
south-west, terraces and mounds are found in considerable numbers for the distance of
at least half a mile.
To the west of Section D there are numerous remains of mounds with burial
chambers, and others which may have supported buildings of perishable material,
probably used as dwelling-houses of the ancient population.
To the north of Sections D and A there are a very few traces of stone-faced mounds
on the narrow terraces between the cliffs and broken slopes which descend to the plain.
The structures within the area comprised in the plan appear to have been of two
classes only, namely, Temples and Tombs. The so-called Palace and almost all the
buildings above ground still standing were almost certainly temples, and the mounds
on the hillsides above them are almost all tombs, and similar tombs also cover a large
space of ground in all directions.
It is most probable that each one of the mounds on which the buildings stand had
a stairway ascending one or more of its sides, but owing to the amount of débris, and
the tangle of roots with which it is bound together, these stairways are almost all lost
to view.
The temples did not differ in structure from the buildings which have already been
described in other parts of this work ; nearly all are built of a hard limestone in small
roughly-squared blocks embedded in hard plaster, and the surfaces were coated with a
fine stucco having a smooth polished surface. There are also a few ruined structures
which were built of worked blocks of a soft sandstone. Wood has been frequently
used for lintels, every particle of which has now disappeared, but the impress of
the grain of the wood can in many places be traced on the surface of the plaster
coating on which it rested. In some instances slabs of a sort of brick or artificial
stone have been used for the cap-stones of the vaulted roofs.
Openings can be seen in the sides of some of the mounds which lead to sepulchral
chambers, and many of the smaller mounds may be said to be honeycombed with well-
built chambers in which usually nothing can be seen but bare walls, and in some cases
a slab of stone raised on four short legs, or a small platform of rubble coated over
with stucco. It does not seem probable that these chambers could at any time have
been used as dwellings, owing to the absence of light and ventilation except from a
single entrance, and in many cases even this has been sealed up by building a secondary
wall across the entrance itself or the passage leading into the chamber. Excavation
beneath the floors of these chambers almost invariably brings to light human remains
and fragments of personal ornaments and of pottery. In a few instances only were the
stone receptacles for the dead found above the floor of the chamber.
The stream which flows through the ruins, after issuing from a deep ravine, passes
for some distance through an enclosed aqueduct beneath the level floor of the plaza.
‘This aqueduct or tunnel is strongly built of large roughly-squared stones and has a
vaulted stone roof,
PALENQUE. 11
The upper end of the aqueduct is no longer visible, as it has been closed up with
the drift of gravel and stones, and through this obstruction the water percolates when
the stream is low, but after a heavy shower, when the stream rises rapidly, most of the
water finds its way along a surface channel on the floor of the plaza and falls into the
main channel again at the lower mouth of the aqueduct.
A large stone which projects from the wall at this northern outlet is carved in the
shape of an alligator’s head.
In describing the ruins it is convenient to have names by which to identify the
different buildings, and those names have been retained which are in common use
amongst the villagers of Santo Domingo, and have been previously used in descriptions
by Stephens and other travellers. It is for this reason that the group of buildings
about to be described is called the Palace, and not from any belief on my part that it
was used as a royal residence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES.
Tue Panace. (Plan and Sections on Plates III. and IV.)
The so-called Palace is in reality a group of buildings, probably temples, originally
distinct one from the other, but all raised on a common foundation mound. ‘This
foundation mound, which may in itself be composite in character, is not in shape a
rectangular parallelogram as figured by Waldeck and Stephens, but an irregular
oblong, measuring roughly about 340 feet long by 260 feet wide. As the ground on
which this foundation stands slopes down towards the north, the mound is higher at
that end. The buildings on the top of this mound were raised again on secondary
foundations and stand at different levels, and were in all probability built at different
periods, but the later additions to the earlier buildings and the roofing over of passages
between them has to some extent welded the whole mass together.
The sides of the foundation mound are so deeply covered with fallen stones and
earth that there is difficulty in ascertaining their original shape and condition, but by
careful examination certain features can be made out, although they are not sufficiently
distinct for embodiment in the Plan on Plate III. The east slope is divided into three
steps by surface walls with narrow terraces between them. On the northern half of
this face the walls are parallel to one another, but towards the south the terraces
between the walls become gradually narrower, and the whole face of the foundation
c2
12 PALENQUE.
becomes more nearly perpendicular. The south-east corner of the foundation can be
well seen in Plate XLVIII.
These walls and terraces can be made out with certainty along the whole length of
this eastern face, but there is no trace of any stairway which could have given access
to the buildings above.
On the north face of the mound the same breaking up of the surface into nearly
perpendicular walls and terraces can be made out. The lowest or basement wall is
well-preserved both at the east and west ends, and is formed of large slabs of well-cut
stone, similar in arrangement to that of the wall on the east side of the Western Court,
Plate XX VII.
Whether this form of basement wall was carried all along the north face, or whether
it was interrupted in the middle by a flight of steps, it would be impossible now to
determine without removing the large mass of fallen masonry due to the almost total
destruction of the building which formerly stood on the northern edge of the mound.
All that can be said is that a careful examination under the present conditions did not
reveal any remains of such a stairway. Where the upper facing walls are still visible
they are seen to retain fragments of elaborate stucco decoration, and portions of huge
heads, both natural and grotesque, can still be made out; and it seems probable that
the whole of the surface walls of the foundation mound were formerly decorated with
similar ornament, which was almost as certainly brilliantly coloured. Here and there
amongst the stucco ornaments are the remains of some gable-headed niches which may
be the walled-up entrances to burial chambers. There can be little doubt that the
base of the whole of the northern side of the foundation has given way. ‘The detached
mass may have moved bodily towards the north, thus giving the bowed appearance to
the northern side of the basement, and causing the great rents which can be seen
across the walls of the houses A and D, and the almost total destruction of the house
or houses on the northern edge of the mound.
Along the west face of the foundation an arrangement of walls and terraces can
here and there be made out, but there is no sign of a basement wall built of large
slabs, nor is there any trace of a stairway. Towards the southern end of this face the
walls are in better preservation, and are pierced by a few openings to admit light to
the vaulted corridors which are enclosed within the foundation itself.
On the south side of the Palace the almost complete ruin of the buildings renders it
now impossible to make out the plan of the foundation. It is, however, clear that it
is different from that of the other sides, and that halfway up the slope there was a
projecting terrace about 40 feet in width, which was probably reached by a stairway.
When we were living in the Palace we somehow became accustomed to regard the
courts as primary divisions, and all visitors naturally entered the larger or Western
Court first and examined all the chambers opening on to it, then passed through to the
Eastern Court and continued the examination in like order; but in giving a detailed
PALENQUE. 13
description it is thought to be best to describe each building as a structural unit,
although one may thereby fail in giving the general impression which is most strongly
retained by the memory.
On our arrival at the ruins we found both the East and West Courts filled up almost
to the level of the floors of the houses with broken masonry which had fallen from the
surrounding buildings, and covered over by decaying trunks of trees and a luxuriant
vegetation. We succeeded before leaving in digging out nearly the whole of this mass
of débris and throwing it down the outside slope of the foundation mound.
Hovsr A. (Plates V. to XIV.)
This house stands on the northern half of the east side of the Palace Mound. It
consists of two parallel corridors divided by a main wall which is pierced near the
middle of its length by a large doorway. The upper part of this doorway is shaped
somewhat like a Moorish arch (see sketch on Plate VI.), although of course it differs
from it in structure.
Both of the outer walls of the building are pierced by large square-headed doorways,
which at one time were furnished with wooden lintels; the wooden beams, however,
have long since disappeared, and much of the stonework which they supported has
fallen.
The original building ended at the third pier to the south of the middle doorway,
but there is a prolongation beyond this of the main and western wall, and doubtless
the remains of another house of later date with a somewhat lower roof (the end of
which rested against the slope of the roof of House A) lie buried under the great heap
of débris in that direction. It is also probable that the building originally ended to the
northward at the third pier from the middle doorway, and that the extension to the
north-east corner of the mound was a later addition. ‘The same may be said of
House D, and these two northerly prolongations of Houses A and D formed the east
and west ends of a long building with a double corridor, now almost entirely destroyed,
which probably extended right across the northern end of the mound.
The foundation of this northern side of the mound has apparently given way, causing
the destruction of the northern building (see Plate XVII., a), and making a break
(about 9 inches across at the base of the walls) right through the main walls of
Tfouses A and D. In each case the outer roof of the building to the north of the
break has fallen away, and the centre wall itself would probably have fallen but for
the support of the heap of débris against which it rests.
14 PALENQUE.
The outer face of each of the piers of the eastern corridor of House A (Plates VII.
to XI.) is decorated in raised stucco work, which was afterwards covered with a thin
coat of plaster and then coloured. This coloured plaster has been renewed from time
to time so that the original stucco is in some places covered with many layers of it.
On the southern and probably also on the northern pier the design is an arrangement
of glyphs, and on the four other piers are groups of human figures; in each case the
design is enclosed in a border of symbols, and is surmounted by three glyphs. The
northern pier has been overturned and is lying face downwards on the slope of débris
below.
Above the lintels and piers there must originally have been laid a wall-plate of large
well-wrought slabs of stone about eight inches in thickness, the outer edge of which
formed a projecting cornice. As, however, the joints of this wali-plate were usually
laid over the wooden lintels, the slabs have almost invariably broken and fallen away
as soon as the beams beneath them decayed. Where portions of the wall-plate resting
on the piers still remain in position, the projecting part has afforded protection to the
face of the pier beneath it, and the plaster work has escaped serious damage. As has
been already related, almost the whole surface of each pier was covered with layers of
carbonate of lime varying from a thin hard skin to an incrustation some six inches in
thickness, and where the crust was thick and could be removed without much difficulty,
the colours beneath it retained some of their original brilliancy. The piers of the
western gallery facing the court are without ornament. On both sides of the building
above the cornice formed by the projecting wall-plate is a receding frieze which has
been highly ornamented in stucco. Very few traces of the ornament are now left, but
the stone supports on which it was moulded can be seen projecting from the surface
of the masonry. Each doorway seems to have been surmounted by a different design,
probably a large grotesque mask or face, such as can still be seen on some of the other
buildings. Over each device traces of a row of glyphs are still visible. The four
elyphs over the middle doorway of the western corridor are figured on Plate XII, 8, 0.
From the appearance of the débris it seems probable that some ornamental super-
structure stood on the top of the roof over the main wall of the building, but no trace
of it is now visible, and it was not considered advisable to dig in search of its founda-
tions amongst the mass of root-bound stones which now form a compact covering to
the roof.
In the eastern corridor, on the eastern face of the main wall, just below the spring
of the roof, are thirteen stucco medallions, seven on the south and six on the north of
the doorway. Each medallion is surrounded by a decorative border of snakes’ heads
and glyphs, and probably in the centre there was a human head. Unfortunately they
are all very much damaged. (See photographs and drawing on Plate VL.)
The thickness of the roof above the main wall is perforated by six passages, in shape
something like the upper part of the middie doorway. ‘These passages have been
PALENQUE. 15
blocked up on the east side by a partition about three inches thick. On the opposite
slope of the roof in each corridor are similar shaped recesses about three inches deep,
each facing a recess on the main wall. There are some T-shaped and oblong holes
pierced through the main wall, and these too have been subsequently blocked up on
the eastern side.
On the west face of the main wall, on either side of the doorway, are three rect-
angular niches, each containing a vertical stone staple; these may have been used for
fastening a door or curtain. Two horizontal rows of wooden roof-struts had formerly
spanned the roof of each corridor.
A flight of steps made of large well-worked blocks of stone leads from the western
corridor to the level of the eastern court. (See Plate XII.) This stairway is not,
however, placed symmetrically opposite the central doorway. On either side of the
steps, placed almost at the same angle as the steps themselves, are some large slabs of
stone, on which are carved huge human figures and a few glyphs. (See Plates XII.
and XIII.)
House B. (Plates XIV. to XIX.)
This house stands on the south side of the eastern court, on a platform of roughly
squared stones, which has lost its facing of plaster, and is approached from the court
by a range of steps of similar stones to which the plaster covering still adheres. There
are three doorways on the north side, and the masonry piers bear traces of having been
ornamented with human figures and glyphs moulded in stucco.
The south wall has two doorways.
The house is constructed as usual with two parallel corridors divided by a main wall
which is pierced in the middle by a large gable-headed doorway. On either side of
this doorway transverse walls have been subsequently built across the corridors dividing
the house into five separate chambers, the middle chamber extending through the
doorway to the south wall.
It will be noticed that the east wall is not square with the others. The north-west
room bad a doorway in its west wall which has subsequently been blocked up.
The two most interesting rooms are those facing the south. ‘There are the remains
of human figures moulded in plaster on the jambs of the doorway of the south-west
room, and fragments of two large figures can still be traced amongst the broken plaster
ornament on the back wall. From the doorway of this room a short flight of steps
leads down to the floor of the ‘ Middle’ court.
16 PALENQUE.
On the back wall of the south-east room (marked A on Plate XV.) is a well-
preserved stucco ornament, surrounding the T-shaped hole (see Plate XVII., 4).
Nearly the whole of the ornament had become covered with an incrustation of carbonate
of lime, and where this could be removed the original colours with which the stucco
had been painted were found to be fairly well preserved.
Plate XVIII. is a restoration made from a number of photographs and coloured
sketches.
The only parts of this drawing for which the evidence is incomplete are the red
scrolls issuing from the mouths of the serpent birds in the upper portion of the plate.
The scrolls in the mouths of the birds in the lower part of the design are still quite
well preserved.
All the wall-holes in the building are T-shaped. The lintels were all of wood, and
wooden struts formerly spanned the vaults.
The angle of the roof of this house is of a lower pitch than usual, and probably on
this account much of the northern side of the roof has fallen away.
A bridge thrown across the very narrow space between the roof of this house and
that of House E is still in place.
House C. (Plates XIX. to XXIX.)
This house divides the eastern from the western court and stands upon a platform
raised about eight feet above the level of the courts. In the middle of the eastern
face of this foundation is a stairway 20 feet wide built of large well-squared stones,
and flanked on each side by two large blocks of stone placed nearly at the same angle
as the steps, each with a kneeling figure carved on it. Three of the upper steps
ave a hieroglyphic inscription cut on both the rise and tread of the steps. (See
Plate XXIII.)
The perpendicular face of the foundation on either side of the stairway is divided
into panels between kneeling figures, and each panel contains an inscription of four
glyphs. (See Plate XXII.)
In the western court the face of the foundation of this building (Plates XXYV. to
X XVII.) is also encased in large well-cut slabs of stone, and is ornamented with an
inscription. (See Plates XXVII. and XXIX.) The stairway leading down to the
floor of the western court is at the south end of the western corridor.
The north end of the foundation of House C runs into that of the long northern
house.
PALENQUE. Wi
At the south end, the south-east corner abuts on House EH, and the south-west face
forms one side of the covered way running along the foundation of the tower, and
nearly in the middle of this south face a flight of steps descends along the west wall of
House E down to the level of the tower court. These steps are composed of small
stones covered with smooth plaster still in good condition.
The plan of the house (see Plate XXI.) is like those already described; a double
corridor divided by a main wall which is pierced by only one small square-topped
doorway towards the south end.
There is no opening at the north end of the building; there is a door at the south
end of each corridor, and the east and west sides have each five doorways divided by
piers of masonry.
This building is one of the best preserved at Palenque. The walls are sound, and
the size and inclination of the roof appear to afford more security than in Houses A
and B. All the wooden lintels have disappeared but not much of the stonework above
them has fallen.
The outer surface of each of the piers between the doorways has been decorated with
designs in stucco, but on the piers facing the east court almost the whole of the plaster
casing has fallen away, carrying the ornament with it, and only the scars and a few
fragments of mouldings bearing traces of red colouring attest the former existence of
elaborate ornament. Whilst digging away the débris which filled up the court,
numerous fragments of faces, masks, and ornamental moulding were found, which
must have fallen from these piers and the frieze above. (See Plate XLVII. 6 & c.)
On the piers at the south end of the house are some fragments of human figures,
and on the eastern piers are the seated figures shown in Plate XXVIII. ‘These had
probably been preserved by the thick incrustation of carbonate of lime which covered
them.
The wall-plate which projects to form the lower cornice has been built of very
fine slabs of stone. Much of it is broken away, but at the S.E. and N.E. corners of
the building we discovered some hieroglyphics cut on the under surface of
the cornice, and were afterwards able to complete the inscription on the north-east
corner on finding the broken portions of the slabs amongst the débris in the
court. (See Plate XXIV.)
Where the edge of the wall-plate forming the lower cornice was still unbroken,
concave holes could be seen at intervals cut in the under surface of the projecting
portion, each with a stone staple or pin left in the middle, and holes had also been
drilled through the outer edge, probably to support a curtain.
The frieze between the two cornices had been very richly ornamented, and the
remains of seven large masks, or faces, can with difficulty be made out both on the
east and west sides of the building, and on the east side some portions of human figures
can also be detected.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IV., April 1896. d
18 PALENQUE.
The north and south ends are each adorned with three of the large faces. The
upper cornice is ornamented with a moulding of beaded lattice-work.
Some of the doorways both in the east and west face had been blocked up with
walls about a foot thick, and both corridors had been subdivided by transverse partition
walls evidently erected after the completion of the main building; these secondary
walls have since been partly or completely destroyed, and in some cases can only be
traced by the scars which they have left on the original plaster coating of the walls
and floor.
On the face of the main wall in the eastern corridor, just below the spring of the
roof, are nine large grotesque heads or masks (see Plate XXIV.). They face the
two doorways across which no secondary walls have been built.
The chamber which was formed by the secondary wall in the south-west end of the
western corridor appears to have contained some especial object of reverence, perhaps
an altar against the main wall. Along the bottom of the wall ran an ornamental border
of symbols in stucco, and on one side of it the figure of a man has been moulded in
stucco. Only part of the feather head-dress remains on the wall, but the impression of
the whole figure can be traced. Above this, just below the spring of the roof, is painted
a seated figure with the head turned to the right and the right arm extended and
probably holding some object in the hand. The feather head-dress is very elaborate ;
near the head are several rows of black glyphs enclosed in red borders, the colours are
faint, but the prevailing hues, red, blue, and chocolate, can still be distinguished.
Unfortunately the painting was not sufficiently distinct for a copy of it to be made.
There are T-shaped wall-holes both in the main and north walls, each of them
blocked up either in the middle or at one end. Remains of a plaster ornament can be
traced in the middle of the west face of the main wall just below the T-shaped
opening.
Two rows of wooden struts have spanned the vault of the roof in each corridor.
The eastern corridor of this house is one of the driest chambers in the ruins, and we
made it our headquarters. Perhaps for the same reason it may have been used as a
camping-ground by roving Indians, for when clearing out the courtyard round the
steps of the house we dug through a great mass of the shells of the edible water-snail
which is plentiful in the streams close by.
The plaster on the floor of the house had also been much disturbed and broken,
probably the effect of camp fires.
PALENQUE, 19
At the north end of the Western Court is a low chamber, the roof of which
(supported in front by two piers) connects the foundations of Houses C and D. (See
Plate XXV., 6.)
This small chamber was nearly filled up with round stones and with broken pieces
of the plaster ornaments from the buildings, which had evidently been placed there
purposely. Amongst this débris was a fragment of one of the so-called sacrificial
stone collars, which was unfortunately lost on the way home, but it can be seen in the
photograph on Plate XLVII., 4. When the contents of this chamber were removed the
remains of three skeletons were found on the floor, so much destroyed that it was only
possible to preserve some portions of the skulls*. From the presence of the plaster
ornaments in the chamber it would appear probable that the interment and the filling
in had been made after the surrounding buildings had in part fallen into ruin.
House D. (Plates XXX. to XXXVII.)
This house stands on the northern half of the western edge of the Palace Mound.
The foundation on which it is built is composed of small roughly-squared stones, and
on the eastern face (which forms one side of the western court) it has been adorned
with designs in stucco, of which only the outline and a few fragments of moulding
remain. There is no stairway leading up from the western court to the floor of the
house.
House D (see Plan on Plate XXX.) is in its main features similar in structure to
those already described, but at the north end it runs into the long northern house of
which so little remains standing. There is no trace of ornament on the wall-surfaces
between the three doorways which open from the eastern corridor towards the western
court. In the outer wall of the western corridor there are six doorways. The north
pier of the northern doorway, which may have been continuous with the end wall of
the north house, has been destroyed ; it was probably ornamented with a hieroglyphic
inscription. The next five piers to the southward were all decorated with the groups
of figures, in stucco, given on Plates XXXII. to XXXVII. On the last pier to the
southward is the hieroglyphic inscription, part of which is shown on Plate XXXIV.
The decoration on the frieze between the two projecting cornices has been almost
totally destroyed.
Across the main wall of the building there is a crack, probably a continuation of that
passing across House A, occasioned by the giving way of the foundation of the whole
north side of the Palace Mound. There is a large gable-roofed doorway through the
south end of the main wall, the top of which is flush with the top of the roof of the
* Tt is hoped that these skulls may be figured later on.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archzeol., Vol. 1V., September 1896. é
20 PALENQUE.
corridors, and there is a smaller gable-headed opening like a window, through the
northern part of the main wall. A square-topped doorway leads out of the southern
end of the eastern corridor.
There were several secondary transverse walls with doorways through them in the
western corridor which have now disappeared. In the eastern corridor there are four
transverse walls, one of them extends to the top of the vault of the roof, the other
three reach to the spring of the vault only; two of these latter are pierced by doorways,
and the third (that to the north) separates the eastern corridor from the southern
corridor of the northern house. ‘The structure of these secondary walls is very rough
and the plaster is coarse and brown in colour.
There are T-shaped holes both in the main and eastern walls, which open on to the
eastern corridor only; some of these holes have moulded borders.
There are passages pierced through the thickness of the roof above the main wall
similar to those in House A, and in a like manner they have been blocked up bya thin
partition on the western side. There are also shallow recesses of the same shape
facing these passages both on the east and west sides of the vault.
In the southernmost of these passages through the main wall a sort of stone ladder
leads to a horizontal shaft; this shaft opens on the north side of the vault of the
doorway which passes through the main wall. From the horizontal shaft rises a
vertical shaft which apparently led to the roof but is now closed by a large stone.
A double row of wooden struts spanned the two corridors.
The house which prolongs the line of double corridors along the west side of the
Palace Mound, to the south of House D, is a later addition and had a lower roof; only
parts of the main and east walls now remain standing.
Tae Tower. (Plates XXVI., XXVII., and XXXVIII., XXXIX.)
The Tower stands at the south end of the western court and of House C. It is
built in five superimposed compartments, namely: the solid foundation (No. 1, Plate
XXXIX.), against which some small chambers or corridors have been built on the
north and west sides, and perhaps also on the east side, which is now covered by a
heap of fallen stones and rubbish; the first floor (No. 2); an intermediate floor
(No. 3) with passages and minute cells; the second floor (No. 4); and the top floor
(No. 5), of which the roof has fallen in.
On the first, second, and top floors there are wide openings or doorways through
each of the four walls. ‘These were formerly capped by wooden lintels which have
4
PALENQUE. 21
long since disappeared, but it is only on the east side that the destruction of the
lintels has been followed by much damage to the stonework—on that side the masonry
above each doorway has fallen away in ruins.
The four exterior walls really serve as a shell to enclose the central rectangular
shaft of masonry which contains the stairway giving access to the different floors.
On the first and second floors there is a passage only 1 foot 6 inches wide between
the central shaft and the outer walls of the Tower.
The intermediate floor consists of a narrow passage 2 feet wide and 4 feet high,
extending along the east, north, and west sides in the thickness of the masonry, with a
minute cell of the same width and height opening from it on the east and another on
the north side. Neither cell has any exterior opening.
It seems probable that the top floor was the most important part of the building, as
it apparently afforded the largest clear space. The openings in the sides of this chamber
were so wide that the walls were reduced to four narrow piers at the corners. In the
middle of the floor was what appears to have been a platform or table of masonry,
which is now hardly visible under the débris from the roof. The steps of the stairway
are very steep throughout the building.
There are projecting string courses running round the tower below and above each
doorway, and above each string course the size of the tower is slightly diminished.
Nearly all the facing of stucco has fallen off the outside of the tower, but it still
adheres to the jambs of the doorways and throughout the interior passages. The
jambs of the doorways have been coloured dark red, and were ornamented with designs
in black paint.
The four piers on the top floor were bordered with a pretty moulding in stucco on
the outer face.
There are two small square holes pierced through the walls of the central shaft.
As the entrance to the stairway in the central shaft is on the west side, it seems
probable that an exterior stairway which gave access to it must have passed over the
roof of the group of small chambers which is clustered against the foundation on
that side.
22 PALENQUE.
Hovsrt E. (Plates XLI. to XLIV.)
This house stands almost in the centre of the Palace Mound and is ina very good
state of preservation. ‘There is no ornamental stucco moulding on the outer surface ;
the lower cornice is very heavy and has afforded good protection to the walls; the
face of the unadorned frieze is almost perpendicular, and the outer surface of the roof,
which is solidly built, is inclined ata slight angle, and covered with a thick layer of
plaster still in a fairly good state of preservation. There are doorways both at the
sides and ends of the house. The north end of the house is well shown in Plate XVI.
as forming part of the south side of the eastern court, and the short flight of steps can
be seen which lead up to the small doorway with a stone lintel at the end of the
eastern corridor.
The house (see Plate XLI.) is similar in general plan to those already described.
On the east side are two large and one small doorway. One of the larger doorways
has been partly walled up, both had wooden lintels; the small doorway had a stone
lintel.
There are three secondary transverse walls built across the eastern corridor. One of
them extends through the doorway in the main wall almost across the western corridor.
The third transverse wall, which may have had a doorway through it, cuts off a small
portion of the southern end of the corridor, in which, close up against the southern
wall, stands a stone table supported by four short legs. The doorway in the south
wall has been blocked up. Near the middle of this corridor, a few feet to the north of
the transverse wall, a small circular stone has been let into the floor, and the stone
immediately above it in the vault has been pierced from the under surface, so as to
leave a tenon round which a cord could have been passed.
Above the doorway at the northern end of this eastern corridor, and extending for
a short distance along both walls just below the spring of the roof, is the stucco ornament
figured in Plates XLII. and XLLII.
The doorway connecting the two corridors through the north part of the main wall
has been blocked up.
There are four doorways in the west wall, one of them narrow and stone-capped,
opposite the similar doorway in the east wall.
The doorway in the north end of the west corridor has been blocked up; it originally
had a wooden lintel.
At the south end of the west corridor is an opening in the floor, from which descends
a stairway leading into one of the three subterranean passages which communicate
with the three corridors enclosed in the southern part of the Palace Mound. On the
face of the vault of the stairway is a stucco ornament much ruined by the drip of water,
somewhat similar in design to that figured on Plate XLVIL., a.
PALENQUE. 23
The mouth of the stairway appears to have been at one time partly or entirely
covered up by a layer of stone slabs.
The oval sculptured slab, figured on Plate XLIV., is let into the west face of the
main wall facing the middle doorway in the west wall.
The stone table or altar which stood beneath it was removed by del Rio in 1786.
The ornamental border of stucco which surrounds the oval slab has been almost
entirely destroyed.
Above the slab, and extending along the wall just beneath the spring of the roof, a
long double line of glyphs had been painted in black on the plaster. This inscription
had subsequently been covered over by another layer of plaster which had fallen away
in small patches, By carefully chipping away this top layer more of the glyphs were
brought to light, and a photograph of a part of the inscription is given on Plate XLIL., 6.
The walls of this house appear to have been ornamented both inside and out with
painted signs and inscriptions, and some of this decoration can still be traced on the
outside of the western wall.
All the wall-holes are T-shaped, and some of them had decorated borders moulded
in stucco. There are holes showing where the wooden struts have spanned the vault.
On the west side of the house a few steps descend to the level of the Tower Court;
perhaps similar steps on the east side led down to the level of the narrow Middle
Court.
This building was probably one of the earliest erected on the Palace Mound, as the
foundations of Houses B and D have been built up against its walls..
Hovusz F. (Plate XLI.)
This house differs from the usual plan only in having large gable-headed doorways
through each end of the main wall. Nearly all the outer slope of the roof has fallen
in. Above the main wall the roof is pierced by large transverse passages differing
slightly in shape from those in Houses A and D; each of these passages is blocked up
at one end.
There are several secondary transverse walls across the two corridors.
In the western corridor a covered niche or adoritorio has been built against the main
wall: it contains nothing now, but may formerly have sheltered some movable figure.
From the passage in the roof above this niche there is a vertical shaft which runs up
through the roof of the house.
All the lintels were of wood, and the wall-holes with one exception are =§=-shaped.
The position of the wooden roof-struts is not given in the plan.
24 PALENQUE.
Outside the north end of the east wall of this building there is a small chamber with
a doorway facing west, and in the interior of this chamber the stucco on the wall
surface is moulded in a diamond pattern. The space between this chamber and
house F is formed into a covered passage.
Against the north-west corner of House F stands a stone table resting on four legs.
On the west side of the house a few steps lead down to the level of the floor of the
Middle Court.
Houses G & H. (Plates XLV. and XLVI.)
These two buildings of equal size, with corridors mnning nearly east and west,
stand on a raised foundation. The main features of the plan of each house are the
same as in those houses already described; but the walls are somewhat lower than is
usual, and the pitch of the roof is at an angle too wide to ensure stability, and in
consequence the outer slopes of the roof have fallen in.
The south front of each building has four piers and three doorways, and there are
two doorways in the north wall of each building.
The space between the ends of the two buildings is roofed over and divided by a
wall into two passages running at right angles to the corridors of the houses themselves.
The roof above the main wall of each house is pierced by passages somwhat similar
to those in House F. There are remains of several secondary transverse walls across
the corridors.
At the south end of the Middle Court a small chamber or adoritorio, without any
ornament, has been built up against the face of the raised foundation which supports
House G. Anda few feet further to the west, almost opposite to the southern door of
House EK, there is a small niche in the face of the foundation mound which may mark
the entrance to a sepulchral chamber.
At the east end of the northern corridor of House H is a stone table. A transverse
partition wall forms the west end of this corridor into a separate chamber, which
has an opening in the floor, from which a flight of steps descends to a passage
communicating with the Enclosed Corridors. It appears as though this opening in
the floor had, at some former time, been purposely blocked up.
The lintels of the small doorways of Houses G and H are of stone, the others were
of wood. All the wall-holes are T-shaped. The stucco covering of the masonry is of
a grey colour, and it has not a polished surface.
Between the north face of the foundation of House H and the foundation of the
ruined House I there is a narrow passage which has been roofed over and is divided
PALENQUE. 25
by several transverse walls. There is a small recess or niche in the west end of the
foundation of House H which opens into this passage, and almost opposite this recess
the passage has a short branch to the north which opens on to the Tower Court.
Hovsr I. (Plan on Plate III.)
This building is almost totally destroyed. It stood on a low platform, with steps
descending to the Tower Court. It appears to have consisted of a single chamber with
two doorways on the north side.
At the north-east corner there are traces of stueco decoration on the outer surface
of the walls,
THE EncLoseD Corripors. (Plates XLV. and XLVI.)
The Enclosed Corridors are three in number, running parallel to one another nearly
east and west, and their position with regard to the Palace Mound is clearly shown in
the sections on Plates [V. and XLVI.
The eastern half of the southern corridor has three doorways opening on to the
southern slope of the mound; the western half of this corridor has been purposely
filled in with rubble. The floors of all three corridors are on the same level, about
ten feet above the level of the ground on the south side of the Palace Mound.
The wall at the western end of the corridors has formed part of the western face of
the Palace Mound, and J-shaped holes are pierced through it to admit light to the
middle and northern corridors. All three corridors have been divided by secondary
transverse walls.
The middle corridor contains two stone tables, one of them enclosed ina small
chamber formed by the transverse walls. In the northern corridor is another table
with a line of hieroglyphics on the sides of the stone slab and some ornamentation on
the legs, all much worn. The wall-holes are all T-shaped, except those at the west
end. Much of the roof at the east end has fallen in.
From the northern corridor three passages run northwards to stairways which rise,
one through the floor of House E, another in House H, and the third in the ruined
building to the south of House D. See plan on Plate III.
26 PALENQUE.
All three passages have vaulted roofs, and the face of the vaults where the steps
descend are decorated with stucco ornament now almost destroyed.
A mould was made of the best preserved of these decorations (above the steps in the
western passage), and a photograph of the cast is given in Plate XLVIL., a.
All the doorways in the three corridors had wooden lintels.
An excavation of the mound of broken stones which lies above the roof of the west
part of the northern Enclosed Corridor, and of the passage leading to it, revealed the
remains of walls and of some chambers which have been purposely blocked up, and
a curious arrangement of stone shelves at the end of one of the chambers (see
Plate XLV.).
Tue TrMPie or Inscriptions. ((2) on Plate I. and Plates XLIX. to LXIL)
To the south-west of the Palace a lofty foundation-mound has been raised against a
steep spur of the hills, and supports the building known as the Temple of Inscriptions.
Stone-faced terrace-walls can here and there be seen amongst the débris with which
the sides of the mound are strewn; but the stairway, which probably runs up the front
of the mound, is completely hidden from view.
At the height of 60 feet there is a terrace, from which rises a second foundation
9 feet in height, which is ascended by a stairway 13 feet wide, flanked on either side by
a leaning slab of stone, on which is the mutilated remains of a human figure carved in
low relief (see plan on Plate LII.). The steps are nine in number, and are made of
large and well-worked blocks of stone.
The building raised on these foundations faces the north; it is still in good condition
and its walls are entire.
On the piers at each end of the face of the building are the remains of a hieroglyphic
inscription arranged in eight columns. The piers between the doorways (Plates LIT.
to LVI.) are ornamented with human figures, but unfortunately the whole of this stucco
decoration has been very greatly damaged.
The plaster ornament on the frieze has been almost totally destroyed. Very little is
left of the ornamented superstructure which rose from the middle line of the roof, but
in all probability it was similar to that which can be seen on the other temples.
PALENQUE. 27
The main wall dividing the two corridors is pierced by three gable-headed doorways
and the back corridor is divided into three chambers by two transverse partition-
walls.
In the outer corridor, on each side of the middle doorway in the main wall, is a
large panel made up of several slabs of stone let into the wall; each panel bears an
inscription in low relief containing 240 glyphs. A similar panel let into the back wall
of the middle inner chamber is made up of two slabs containing 140 glyphs. (See
Plates LVII. to LXII.)
The square wall holes which are shown in the plan did not go right through to the
outer surface of the walls. The position of the two small recesses with vertical stone
staples in them on the inner side of the middle doorway in the main wall is also
shown in the plan.
There are holes drilled through the under surface of the capstones of the roof, as
though for the purpose of suspending lamps. On the outside of the building the edge
of the projecting cornice was drilled with holes, those on the north side being larger
than the others.
The floor in both the corridors has been paved with finely cut stone flags, which
have been much damaged by excavations made in searching for treasure.
TemPLe oF THE Cross. ((8) on Plate I. and Plates LXIII. to LXXVIL.)
This building stands on a very high foundation mound and faces the south.
About two-thirds of the distance up the slope, at the south-west angle of the
foundation mound, are several sepulchral chambers which had already been opened.
In one of these is a sort of stone coffin, the sides and ends formed of well-cut slabs.
The contents had been rifled and only a few flakes of jadeite had been overlooked.
The bottom and sides of the coffin were covered with a dark red powder.
None of the terrace walls of this foundation mound could be seen, on account of the
mass of débris with which it was covered. Near the top of the slope, in front of the
Temple (see Plate LXVI.), there lies on its side the carved monolith described by
Stephens: a photograph of it is given on Plate LXVII., c, but it was too much weather-
worn to be worth moulding.
The Temple (see plan and sections on Plate LXV.) consists of the usual two corridors
with four piers and three doorways in the facade.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. 1V., October 1897. af
28 PALENQUE.
The two eastern piers, the east end of the front corridor, and all the front of the
roof, except a small portion of the south-west corner, have now fallen away, and almost
all trace of ornament on the piers has disappeared. Stephens says:—‘ The two outer
piers contain hieroglyphics, one of the inner piers is fallen, and the other is ornamented
with a figure in bas relief but faded and ruined.”
The frieze round the outside of the roof was very richly ornamented in stucco. The
designs on the north and west sides were fairly well preserved and are shown in
Plate LXVIII., a@ and 0.
Upon the middle ridge of the roof stands a tall superstructure composed of two
lattice-like walls enclosing a narrow space open at each end. This lattice-work was
doubtless used as the foundation for stucco ornamentation, all trace of which has now
disappeared. The space enclosed between these walls is divided halfway up by a
stone floor. A line of stepping-stones projects from the inner sides of the walls
forming a sort of stairway by which one can pass up through openings in this floor
and through an opening in the capstones which lie over the top of the superstructure.
From this elevated position a very fine view is obtained over the plain of Tobasco, and
the village of Santo Domingo is just visible over the tree-tops to the east-north-east.
The stucco covering the inner sides of the walls of the superstructure is still in good
condition.
In the interior of the temple there are three gable-headed doorways through the
main wall. ‘The two side doorways are low and the one to the east has had a secondary
wall built partly across it. The middle doorway is broad and high, the opening
reaching almost to the same height as the top of the vaults of the corridors. The
inner corridor is divided into three chambers by two transverse walls.
Inside the middle chamber, built up against the back wall of the Temple, is the
sanctuary.
The outer walls of the sanctuary are surmounted by a frieze between two projecting
cornices, all decorated with stucco ornament. (See Plate LXVIIL, c, d, and e.)
The wooden lintel which supported the frieze above the bread doorway of the
sanctuary has given way and disappeared, and much of the ornamentation of the frieze
has fallen with it.
On each side of the doorway there was formerly a tablet of sculptured stone; these
were removed from tbeir places early in the present century and carried to the village
ot Santo Domingo, where they can now be seen embedded in the walls of the church *.
(See Plates LXIX. to LX XII.)
* There is some confusion with regard to the sculptured slabs given on Plates LXIX. and LXX. Dupaix
and Waldeck both ascribe them to the Temple of the Cross. Dupaix must have seen them in place, but before
the date of Waldeck’s visit they had been moved from their places and carried to a house in the village of
Santo Domingo. Stephens, in describing the sanctuary of the Temple of the Cross, says “on each side of the
doorway was a tablet of sculptured stone, which, however, has been removed”; but in giving the drawings
PALENQUE. 29
The inscribed panel let into the back wall of the Sanctuary is formed of three slabs
of stone (see Plates LX XIII. to LXXVII.). The right-hand slab (¢, Plate LX XIII.)
is now in the National Museum at Washington, the centre slab (4) is in the Museum
in the city of Mexico, and the left-hand slab (a) only is still in place.
In the western inner chamber is a block of masonry built against the back wall
which may have been used as an altar.
There are several T-shaped holes in the walls, and on the north side of the inner
corridor are several small holes pierced through the top of the roof as though intended
for the escape of smoke.
There are stapled niches on the inner side of the large doorway through the main
wall and on the inner side of the piers of the fagade; each pier has also, high up on
its outer face, a large niche holding two staples.
Two rows of wooden roof-struts had spanned the vaults of the roof.
It is probable that the sanctuary was formerly paved with stone flags, but it is now
a yawning hole, the work of Antonio del Rio, or of some more recent treasure-hunter,
and nearly every building in the place has suffered in the same way.
The two trefoil-shaped passages in the roof above the main wall are open to the
outer corridor, but have been walled across on the other face.
At the northern base of the mound isa collection of smaller mounds, in one of
which a few chambers can be seen.
On the east side the mound is joined by a terraced platform or causeway to the slope
of the high hill which juts out from the range.
of the sculptured slabs now under consideration, he ascribes them to the Temple of the Sun, and, moreover,
gives a restoration of the sanctuary of the Temple of the Sun with the sculptured slabs in place. I was at first
inclined to accept Stephens’s arrangement, the morc willingly as the people of Santo Domingo still assert that
these slabs now embedded in the walls of their church were taken from the Temple of the Sun. However, since
my return home I have made careful measurements of the casts of the slabs and compared them with Mr. Price’s
plans of the temples, and it appears that these slabs are a few inches too large to fit into place on the face of
the sanctuary of the Temple of the Sun, but would just fit into place on the Temple of the Cross. We there-
fore have, on one side, the authority of Stephens and Catherwood, who, however, did not visit Palenque until
some years aiter the removal of the slabs, aud the belief current at the present time amongst the inhabitants
of Santo Domingo, none of whom had seen the slabs in their original position,—and on the other side, the fact
that the slabs are, according to Mr. Price’s plans, a few inches too large for the Temple of the Sun, the evidence
of Dupaix, who saw the slabs in place, and that of Waldeck, who did not see them in place, but who not only
ascribes them to the Temple of the Cross, but gives drawings of the shattered fragments of two other sculp-
tured slabs which he ascribes to the Temple of the Sun. It seems to me that the balance of evidence is
against Stephens’s arrangement, and I have therefore included these slabs amongst the sculptures belonging to
the Temple of the Cross. Itis to be hoped that the next visitor to Palenque will carefully remeasure both
the sanctuaries and the slabs, so as to remove all possible doubt as to their correct position.
30 PALENQUE.
TEMPLE OF THE FoLIATED Cross.
((4) on Plate I. and Plates LXXVIII. to LXXXII.)
It is curious to note that neither Waldeck nor Stephens was aware of the existence
of this Temple. It faces the west, and stands on a high terrace platform made either
by raising an embankment against the base of the lofty hill which rises at the back of
it, or by digging from the slope of the hill to make the terrace.
The plan and arrangement of the building are almost precisely similar to those of the
Temple of the Cross. The whole of the front of the building has fallen away, and the
mass of broken stone and plaster has blocked up any stairway or any other form of
approach which gave access to the Temple.
An ornamented superstructure, similar to that on the top of the Temple of the Cross,
has almost entirely disappeared, and the greater part of the decorated frieze has also
been destroyed ; but it is just possible to make out the remains of some huge grotesque
heads on the east side, and some crossbar work can be seen on the north side.
Stone or stucco figures probably flanked the entrance to the Sanctuary (Plate
LXXIX., 4), but no trace of them now remains.
The cornices or string courses which enclose the frieze of the Sanctuary are orna-
mented with straight mouldings only. 3
The frieze over the doorway of the Sanctuary still shows portions of the outstretched
wings of the serpent-bird, and at each end are the remains of a snake’s head, with
what is, perhaps, a human head between its jaws. A sketch of the ornament of the
frieze on the sides of the Sanctuary is given in Plate LXXVIIL., d.
The sculptured panel made up of three stone slabs let into the back wall of the
Sanctuary is shown on Plate LXXX.; and drawings of the figures and the inscription
from this panel are given on Plates LXXXI. and LXXXII.
On Plate LX XVIII. is the drawing (e) of a fragment of a sculptured slab found
lying on the slopes to the west of a totally ruined building cut by the section line
G to H on Plate I.
PALENQUE. 31
TEMPLE OF THE Sun. ((5) on Plate I. and Plates LXX XIII. to LXXXIX.)
This building is similar in plan to that of the two Temples last described ; but it is
somewhat smaller and in a much better state of preservation. It stands on a foundation-
mound and faces the east. The slopes of the mound are covered with débris, and no
trace of retaining-walls or of a stairway can be seen.
On the two outer piers of the fagade of the Temple there are traces of a hieroglyphic
inscription with each group of glyphs arranged in a cartouche, and on the two inner
piers are fragments of human figures.
The ornament of the frieze on the front of the building is very much damaged ;
but it is possible to make out part of the body and the head of a great serpent, with
a grotesque head issuing from its jaws, and the remains of two human figures in a
kneeling position. On the other three sides of the building the ornament of the frieze
is almost entirely obliterated.
The lattice-wall of the superstructure is preserved entire; but very nearly all the
plaster ornament with which it was formerly covered has fallen.
In the interior of the building the two passages pierced through the roof above the
main wall are left open, and not blocked up on one side, as is the case in the Temple
of the Cross. The inner gallery is divided as usual into three chambers ; the southern
transverse wall has a doorway through it covered by a stone lintel. In the northern
chamber there are several stones projecting from the sides of the transverse wall, and
on the back wall of this chamber there are scars which appear to indicate that a stone
table was at one time fixed against it.
The doorway of the Sanctuary was flanked by two carved stone slabs (see note
on pp. 28 and 29). Waldeck’s drawings of these sculptures are reproduced on
Plate LXXXVI.
As much as can still be made out of the decoration of the cornices and frieze on
the sides of the Sanctuary is given in the sketches on Plate LXXXV. The frieze on
the front of the Sanctuary has been destroyed ;. but from the portion of it figured both
by Waldeck and Stephens there can be no doubt that the outstretched wings of the
serpent-bird formed part of the design, and that the moulding of grotesque faces
which is shown on the lower cornice in the side views was also continued along the
front *.
A photograph of the sculptured panel let into the back wall of the Sanctuary is
given on Plate LXXXVIL., and drawings on Plates LXX XVIII. and LXXXIX.
* Catherwood’s drawing (Stephens’s ‘ Incidents of Travel,’ vol. ii., facing p. 354) is incorrect in figuring a
line of “ symbols ” on the lower cornice of the Sanctuary.
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Archeol., Vol. IV., January 1899. g
32 PALENQUE.
To the north of the foundation-mound of the Temple of the Sun is another rather
smaller mound supporting a building of which the south-west corner alone remains
standing. This mound is joined by a terrace to a smaller mound which enclosed the
sepulchral chambers shown in Plate XC.
The entrance to these chambers was originally from the top of the mound by a flight
of steps descending to the south-eastern chamber. This entrance has been purposely
closed with a large stone slab, and access to the vaults is now gained by a hole broken
through the masonry.
There is a descent of two steps from the outer to the inner or northern gallery,
which is divided into three chambers. The doorways of the middle and western
chambers have been walled across. In the east end wall of the southern gallery is
a doorway now blocked up by fallen masonry and rubbish.
On the floor of the middle chamber is a coffin, made of thin slabs of stone, coated
on the outside with stucco and smeared on the inside with red powder. The coffin
had been rifled of its contents.
Tue Deatu’s Heap Monument. (Plate XC.)
At a distance of about fifty feet from the Temple of the Foliated Cross, in a
S.W. direction, there is a small mound, on the top of which was found the curious
monument figured on Plate XC. This monument has been overturned, and was found
more than half buried in earth and loose stones. It is in two pieces: one a sort of
stone chair about 2 feet 3 inches high and 1 foot 10 inches broad, with an inscription
on the front and sides; the other a nearly circular stone, carved on one side to
represent a death’s head. From the proximity of the two parts as they were found
lying in the ground, and from the accuracy with which the death’s head fits into the
seat of the chair, it appears to be highly probable that the arrangement of the two
parts as shown in the photograph on Plate XC. is correct, The two small pieces of
wood, which in the photograph appear to be keeping the death’s head in place, were
used merely to prop up a part of the lower jaw which had been broken off.
House or THE Lion. ((¢) on Plate I. and Plate XC.)
This small building stands on the steep side of the hill, about seventy-five feet above
the stream, and faces the east. It is supported by a low foundation-mound, which
rests on a narrow terrace cut out and levelled in the hill-side.
PALENQUE. 33
The whole of the front room of the building is in complete ruin. There is a doorway
through the main wall, which has been covered by a wooden lintel, and was flanked
on each side by a panel of stucco glyphs, of which the scars alone remain.
On the back wall of the building, facing the doorway, was a large plaque in stucco,
figured by Waldeck, and part of it sketched by Catherwood. ‘The design represented
a man seated on a couch or chair, with a jaguar’s or puma’s head at each end, and
with the animal’s feet serving as the supports of the seat, somewhat in the style of
the oval plaque in House E. (See Plate XLIV.) The figure of the man is now
entirely broken away.
An opening in the floor at the south end of this inner room gives access to a very
steep stairway, which descends to a lower chamber which is devoid of all ornament.
At the south-east corner of this chamber is an entrance (which has at one time been
blocked up) to another smaller chamber which is now unroofed and open to the air.
To the south and south-east of the House of the Lion, along the side of the stream
and on the hill-slopes, there is a collection of low mounds, containing a great number
of small chambers; two or three of these chambers contain stone tables, and some
appear to have passages leading out of them to inner rooms which have been subse-
quently blocked up. All the chambers were probably used as places of sepulchre.
At the eastern end of the section-line M-N (Plates I. and II.) there is a building
of which only the north wall and part of the main wall remain standing. It appears
to have been built on the usual plan, with three openings through the main wall.
The remains of the chambers are choked with fallen masonry. No ornamentation
could be seen.
To the south of this building, raised on a higher terrace, is the remains of another
building, which is in such a complete state of ruin that no plan of it could be made
without removing a great amount of fallen masonry. On the south side of it is a flat-
topped mound, on which no trace of a building could be found.
At the south-east corner of the plan (Plate I.) the ground rises in a series of slopes
and terraces, surmounted by a long low mound which appeared to contain several small
chambers.
At the foot of the terraces, on the southern side of a small plaza, is a large building
(cut across by the section-line F-Q) which has the appearance of having been built
in a solid mass; but in its present ruined condition it is impossible to say whether this
is the case, or whether the building formerly contained chambers which have been
compactly filled in by the falling of the roof. The front and side walls are almost
completely destroyed, and no remains of doorways could be traced in them. The
g2
34 PALENQUE.
south wall is in a fair condition, there are no doorways in it, and although it rises to a
considerable height, there is no trace of wall-plates or of the commencement of a roof.
Tue SourHern TEMPLE.
The lofty mound (cut by section-line E-L) which supported this Temple can be
seen to the right of the Temple of the Sun on Plate LXIV. ‘The building on its
summit is completely ruined, with the exception of the west wall, and as this wall has
no openings in it, it seems probable that the building faced towards the east. The
blocks of sandstone, which were employed only in the construction of this building
and one of the northern Temples, are much weathered along their edges, and the
material appears to have been too soft to stand the moisture of the climate.
The building (cut by section-line E-L) standing on the level plaza to the north of
the Southern Temple is much ruined. ‘The remains of the northern wall are covered
with a mass of fallen masonry. The side walls and the southern wall are in good
condition, and the latter is pierced by two wide doorways ; but the interior is filled up
with solid-looking masonry and rubble, and it is difficult now to make out whether
this is the remains of the fallen roof and superstructure, or whether the chambers have
been purposely blocked up.
To the west of the building last described is a long mound (cut by section-line
M-N) rising above the east bank of the stream, which contains in its north end several
small chambers and walled-up passages.
To the west of the Temple of Inscriptions on the western edge of the plan are the
remains of a building approached by a broad stairway. The eastern half of the roof
is still intact, but the rest has fallen. There are traces of stucco decoration on the
piers.
To the south-west of this building, beyond the limit of the plan, is a small mound
containing several enclosed chambers.
Along the base of the hill further to the westward is another group of mounds,
many of them honeycombed with small chambers and passages, and at the end of
this group, distant nearly half a mile from the Palace, is a mound of considerable
elevation with somewhat clearly-defined terrace walls. On the summit is a small
building facing north, divided by a main wall into two galleries. The two outer piers
of the fagade show the remains of a hieroglyphic inscription within an interwoven
scroll border, and on the two inner piers can be seen the traces of human figures
moulded in stucco. ‘The walls of this building are 3 feet 6 inches in thickness, and
PALENQUE. 30
the galleries are only 4 feet 6 inches in width. There are three doorways through the
main wall. ‘The east wall and part of the roof has fallen. The exterior of the roof
has been ornamented with a decorative frieze moulded in stucco, and on the summit
there are traces of stone lattice-work which has supported stucco decoration as in the
more important Temples.
The mound marked A (section-lines) on the west side of the Palace is one of the
highest mounds shown on the Plan.
No trace of a building could be found on its summit.
Tue NortHern TEMPLES.
This group is composed of six Temples. One Temple, standing on a detached mound
(cut by the section-line T—C), faces the east ; the other five Temples all face the south,
and are ranged in a line on the summit of one long foundation-mound which borders
the northern limit of the plateau.
The detached Temple has been built on the usual plan, the principal variation being
a deep niche in the back wall opposite the middle doorway. There are traces of a
hieroglyphic inscription in stucco on the piers, and of a decorative frieze on the
exterior of the roof. The doorways in the main wall are square-topped, and must
have had wooden lintels.
The westernmost of the five Temples on the long foundation-mound was built of
sandstone, like the Southern Temple described on page 34, and is almost completely
ruined. There were apparently five doorways through the outer and three through
the main wall.
The next Temple towards the east stands at a slightly higher elevation. There are
traces of large stucco figures on the piers, and also of stucco ornamentation on the
exterior of the roof. There is a stone with the remains of a hieroglyphic inscription
on the inner face of the main wall. ‘This carving is partly hidden by a transverse
partition-wall which has been built up against it.
The third building in the row contains one single small chamber. There are traces
of stucco figures on either side of the doorway.
The fourth Temple is in a somewhat better state of preservation than the others.
The piers and outside of the roof show traces of stucco decoration. ‘This is almost
the only Temple at Palenque of which the floor has been left untouched by excavators.
The plaster coating of the floor is in almost perfect condition and retains its polished
surface. On the back wall there are traces of colouring.
36 PALENQUE.
The fifth building, like the third, contains a single chamber; only a small part of
one wall is left standing.
The. other mounds shown in the Plan were not sufficiently explored to necessitate
a detailed description. If any of them have formerly supported buildings, they are so
far ruined that a ground-plan could be traced only after removing a large quantity
of débris.
On the N.E. corner of the Plan is a bridge spanning the stream (a, Plate XCI.).
The water passes through a small tunnel with a vaulted stone roof of the usual
construction.
Seoeooe
Pottery. (Plate XCI., 4.)
Three pots taken from tombs are shown in this photograph. The small pottery
figure on the left was found inside the pot next to it, associated with some fragments
of bone.
Puates XCII. and XCIII.
On Plate XCII. is given the Initial Series or Date from five Inscriptions at Palenque,
in the same way as those found at Copan were given on Plate XXXI. (Vol. I.). In
the Copan series only the first six glyphs were figured, as the value of the month sign
was not then fully appreciated. In Plate XCII. the month glyph is in each case
added.
According to Mr. Goodman’s Tables the dates would read as follows :—
Temple of the Temple of Temple of Inscribed Temple of
Foliated Cross. the Sun. the Cross. Steps. Inscriptions.
Great lCyclet ssc aneerteccs siecle 54 54 53 55 54
(Oh (0 ae ganctnedencona ssadsenadeaddce 1 1 12 3 9
Gatun seers eccteeeaa season nee 18 18 19 18 4
Alhaudgiteccce: sete evecare 5 5 13 12 20 or O
Chun ae iessectvsacaccnace 4 3 4 15 18 or 0
DD) avy) thes Senesecateenee mart soites 20 or O 6 20 or O 12 20 or U
Named Day curses 1 Ahau 13 Cimi 8 Ahau 8 Eb 13 Ahau
Named Month.................. -13 Mac 19 Ceh 18 Tzee 165 Pop 18 Yax
PALENQUE. 37
THE Two-HEADED Dragon.
(Plate XCII. figs. a, 6, ¢; Plate XCIII. figs. a, c, d, e, 7, Js N-)
Three drawings on Plate XCII. and all those on Plate XCIII. are given in order to
call attention to two decorative motifs, the “'Two-headed Dragon” and the “ Water-
Plant,” which appear to have been employed throughout the Maya area. Mention has
already been made of the “‘ Two-headed Dragon” on pages 51 & 52, Vol. I., where the
particular marks attached to the short-nosed head were figured.
These figures are here repeated for convenience of reference :—
On Plate XCIIL., figs. a & e from Copan and fig. d from Palenque show both heads
of the dragon. Figs. a, 6, ¢ on Plate XCII., and figs. ¢, 7, 7, n on Plate XCIII., show
the use of the “‘short-nosed head” as a detached ornament, as in Plate XCII. fig. 6,
where it forms the base of the central design of the Temple of the Cross; but it more
often occurs as part of a head-dress, as in fig. c, Plate XCII., and figs.c¢ & 7 *,
Plate XCIII.
Tue Warter-Piant. (Plate XCIII. figs. 6, f, g, h, l, m, 0, p.)
The “ Water-Plant” appears to be the only vegetable form employed in Maya
decoration. The stem of the plant usually springs from a grotesque mask or face.
In fig. m, Plate XCIII., the leaves and flower-buds are very clearly drawn, and have
somewhat the appearance of those of a water-lily, but my reason for calling it a water-
plant is that in many of the examples a fish is to be seen apparently feeding on the
flower or on something connected with the flower.
* See also Vol. I. Plate XCIX. fig. f, and page 64, where another part of the same head-dress is explained.
38 PALENQUE.
In fig. 0 not only is there a fish attached to each flower, but an aquatic bird and a
turtle complete the design.
Fig. g is copied from the painted ornament on a piece of pottery dug up by
Mr. J. Dieseldorf at Chajcar, in the Alta Vera Paz.
Fig. 7 shows some pottery fishes also dug up by Mr. Dieseldorf in the same neigh-
bourhood. The knob attached to the mouth of each fish, which was at first difficult to
understand, is evidently the flower of the water-plant broken off from its stem.
’ in picture-writing from Stela D at Quirigua.
The inscription on this stela is one of those which has presented the greatest difficulty
in transcription. Nine or ten years have passed since the first drawing was made of it
by Mr. Lambert from a plaster-cast. It has been re-drawn by Miss Hunter, and
examined and corrected many times; and I have taken these drawings to Quirigua and
compared them with the inscription itself, but we are not yet quite satisfied with the
accuracy of the transcript. However, a great step in advance was made by the
discovery of the ‘“ Serpent-bird” which appears in this series; but it is only quite
recently that, in what I had taken to be some scroll-work (in the right-hand upper
corner of fig. f), I detected the form of a fish whose presence is justified by the
water-plant which forms part of the design.
Fig. 6. The presence of the fish in the decoration of Stela N, Copan (Vol. L.,
Plates LXXIX. & LXXXII.), becomes now more intelligible. The stem of the
water-plant is apparently bound round and knotted in front of a grotesque mask, and
the fish is shown attached to the flower of the plant.
Fig. f is part of an ‘Initial series’
Other examples of the use of the water-plant in ornament can be seen in Vol. I.,
Plate XCV., where the great alligator which spreads over the top of Altar T (Copan)
is seen to be adorned with bracelets and anklets of the water-plant with fish attached
to the flowers; and in Plate LXVIII. of this volume, where the fish and water-plant
are used in the decoration of the frieze on the exterior of the Temple of the Cross.
Fig. & is added to this Plate to show the form of a fish when it occurs as part of a
glyph in a hieroglyphic inscription.
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
CONTRIBUTIONS T0 THE KNOWLEDGE.
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA,
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCH/EOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text, (Pp. 1-32.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
RB. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Satvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-612, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-80, pls. xxxvi.—xl.)
Reptilia, By A. Giyrner. (Pp. 1-56, pls. i—xxv.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Stout. (Pp. 1-16, pls. i—xi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. II. part 1 (Psenapnipa &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-264, pls. i.—vi.)
5 Vol. II. part 2 (Pecrinicornia &c.). By H. W. Bates. (Pp. 1-336, pls. i.—xviii.)
x Vol. III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C.O.Warernouse. (Pp. 1-64, pls. i—iv.)
$5 Vol. IV. part 1 (Heteromera). ByG.C.Cuampion. (Pp. 1-476, pls. i.—xx.)
Be Vol. VI. part 1 (PHyropHaca). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. 1-625, pls. i.—xxxvi. ; and
Supplement, pp. 1-88.)
a Vol. VI. part 2 (PHyTopHaGa, continued). ByJ.S. Baty. (Pp. 1-124, pls. i.-iv.)
54 Vol. VII. (Erotyiipa). By H.S. Gorwam. (Pp. 1-120, pls. i—vi.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I.. By P. Cameron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i-—xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-48,
pls. i., 1.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera, By F. D. Govman and O. Satviy. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-112, pls. xlviti—lviii.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. By H. Druce. (Pp. 1-256, pls. i—xxv.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. By W. 1. Distant. (Pp. 1-304, pls. i.—xxviii.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i—v.)
Diptera. Vol.1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. iii.)
S Vol. I. By F. M. van per Wuxp. (Pp. 1-40, pls. 1., ii.)
ARCHZOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupsiay. (Pp. 1-382, pls. i.—xxii.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Auton. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Coleopiera. Vol. 1. part 1 (Apmpnaca). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
= _ Vol. I. part 2 (ApEpHAGa &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
Ss Vol. III. part 2 (Matacopermata). By H. S. Gorwam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
gs Vol. V. (LonaicorniaA): by H. W. Bates. (Brucuipes): by D. Saarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the cooperation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
ap RES
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :-—
4
4
AMPHIBIA. By Dr. A. Ginter, F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British i ‘
PISCES. ‘Museum. ay
4
MOLLUSCA (Land and Freshwater). By Dr. E. von Martens. 4
ARACHNIDA (Arachnidea). By Rev. O. Pickarp Camsprince, F.R.S. 4
COLEOPTERA. By E. W. Janson and Dr. D. Saarpr. a
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacatan, F.R.S.
ORTHOPTERA. By H. pr Saussure.
The Editors will give, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
: PART II. (Text).] ee [NOVEMBER 1890.
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY :
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN.
- ARCHZOLOGY.
v
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
“Text, (Pp. 33-48.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Satvin and F. D. GopMan. (Pp. 1-512, pls. 1.—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II]. (Pp. 1-104, pls. xxxvi.—xl.)
Reptilia. By A. Géyrner. (Pp. 1-80, pls. i—xxx.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. vox Manreys. (Pp. 1-40, pl. i.)
Arachnida Araneidea. By O. Picxarp Camerives. (Pp. 1-64, pls. i—viii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Stow. (Pp. 1-24, pls. i-xv.)
Coleoptera, Vol. Il. part 1 (Pseapmipm &c.). By D. Suarr, A. Marrnews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-356, pls. 1.-x.)
SS Vol. III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C. O. Waternouse and G. H. Horn.
(Pp. 1-257, pls. i.—x.)
% Vol. IV. part 1 (Herzromera). By G.C.Cuampion. (Pp. 1-476, pls. i—xxi.)
s Vol. IV. part 2 (HeTrRomera, continued). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-248,
pls. 1.x.)
5 Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncnopHora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-56, pls. i., ii.)-
Vol. VI. part 1 (PuyropHaca). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. 1-625, pls.i.—xxxix.; and
Supplement, pp. 1-224.)
Vol. VI. part 2 (PHyropHaGa, continued). ByJ.S. Baty. (Pp. 1-124, pls. i.-iv.)
3 Vol. VII. (Enotyiipaz &c.). By H.S. Goruam. (Pp. 1-144, pls. i—vii.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls.i.—xx.) Vol. I. (Pp. 1-120,
pls. i—vil.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Govman and O. Sauvix. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-240, pls. xlviii.—lxix.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. By H. Deuce. (Pp. 1-424, pls. i.—xxxiii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. By W.L. Distant. (Pp. 1-352, pls. i —xxxii.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, By W. 1. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
Diptera. Vol.1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—iii.)
3 Vol. Il. By F. M. van per Wuxp. (Pp. 1-208, pls. i.-iv.)
ARCHAEOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Pp. 1-48, pls. i.—xlviii.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Auston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 1. part i (AprpHaea). By H. W. Barges. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
sve Vol. I. part 2 (AprpHaca &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
s Vol. II. part 2 (Pectintcornia and EEN) By H. W. Bates. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
is Vol. Hi. part 2 (Mauacopermata). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
a Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Barzs. (BrucHipEs): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
AMPHIBIA. By Dr. A. Gunruer, E.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
PISCES. Museum:
COLEOPTERA. By E. W. Janson.
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘acutan, I.R.S.
ORTHOPTERA. By H. pe Saussure.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
PART III, (TEXT).|
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA:;
OR,
~6CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA,
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCHAZOLOGY.
-
By AcE MAU DSEAN..
CONTENTS.
Text. (Pp. 49-64.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISIT SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RI LION COURT, FLEDT STREET
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Sarvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Jitlepage.) Vol. I]. (Pp. 1-248, pls. xxxvi.—liii.)
Reptilia. By A. Gixrunr. (Pp. 1-80, pls. i—xxx.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrens. (Pp. 1-152, pls. i—vi.)
Arachnida Araneidea. By O. Picxarp Camerince. (Pp. 1-88, pls. i—xi.)
Arachnida Acaridea, By Orro Stow. (Pp. 1-32, pls. i—xviii.)
Coleoptera. ~ Vol. II. part 1 (Psenapni &c.). By D. SHarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-440, pls, 1.—xii.)
= Vol. III. part 1 (Serricoryia). By C. O. Wateruouse and G. H. Hory.
(Pp. 1-257, pls. 1.—x.)
4 Vol. IV. part 1 (Heteromera). : By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-476, pls. i.—xxi.)
#5 Vol. LV. part 2 (Heterowera, continued), By G. C. Caampton. (Pp. 1-392,
pls. 1.-xyil.)
: Vol. LV. part 3 (Ruyncnopnora). By D. Suare. (Pp. 1-168, pls. ivi.)
ae Vol. VI. part 1 (Puyropnaca). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. 1-625, pls.i.—xhi.; and
Supplement, pp. 1-544.)
6 Vol. VI. part 2 (PuyropmaGa, continued). By J.S. Bary. (Pp. 1-124, pls.i.-iy.)
= Vol. VII. (Erotytipa &c.). By H.S. Gornam. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—ix.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. 1. By P. Camuroy. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i-xx.) Vol. I. (Pp. 1-176,
pls. i.—x.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By F. D. Govan and O. Satvin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i.-xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-240, pls. xlvili—lxxi1.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H. Druce. (Pp.1-490.) Vol. Il. (Pp. 1-24.)
(Pls. i.—xliii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. By W. 1. Disvanr. (Pp. 1-352, pls. i.—xxxii.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. By W. 1. Disrans. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i—v.)
Diptera. Vol. I. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. 1-11.)
FC Vol. II. By F. M. van per Woutp. (Pp. 1-264, pls. ivi.)
is Vel. 1. By 8S. W. Witxistoy. (Pp. 1-72, pl: i.)
ARCHAEOLOGY.
By A. P. Mavpsnay. (Pp. 1-84, pls. i.—Ixxiii.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammatia, By ¥. R. Arsron. (Pp. <x & 220; pls. xxit,)
Coleoptera. Vol. I. part 1 (Apupusca). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii,
55 Vol. I. part 2 (ApmPHaca &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
a : - Vol.IL part 2 (Pecrinicornia and LAMELLIcORNIA). By H. W. Barus. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls, xxiv.)
es Vol. Til. part 2 (Matacopprmata). By H. S. GorHaM. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.) :
= Vol. V. (Lonercornia): by H. W. Bates. (Brucuipes): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I.-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
AMPHIBIA. By Dr. A. Ginruer, F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British —
PISCES. Museum. : eee
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacuatan, F.R.S.
ORTHOPTERA. By H. pe Saussure.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
MR
PART IV. (TEXT). | [SEPTEMBER 1893.
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN.
ARCHEOLOGY. |
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text. (Pp. 55-64.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY Nid
R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W., 8 (A
AND ( = =|
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W. ISS
ales aw))af
CF
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Satvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-376, pls. xxxvi.—lvii.)
Reptilia. By A. Géxranr. (Pp. 1-104, pls. i—xxxv.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrsys. (Pp. 1-240, pls. i—xi.)
Arachnida Araneidea. By O. Pickarp Camsripen. (Pp. 1-120, pls. ixiii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 11. part 1 (Pseuaruma &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Marrnews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-440, pls. i—xiii.) ;
Vol. III. part 1:(Serricornia). By C. O. Wareraouse and G. H. Horn.
(Pp. 1-257, pls. i.—x.)
Vol. IV. part 3 (Ruyncnoraora). By D. Swarr. (Pp. 1-168, pls. ivi.)
Vol. VI. part 2 (PuytopHaca, continued). ByJ.S, Baty. (Pp. 1-124, pls. i.—iv.)
Vol. VII. (Erorynipa &c.). By H.S. Gorwam. (Pp. 1-176, pls. i-ix.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Cameron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i-xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-216,
pls. i.—xi.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Gopman and O. Sanvin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. ixlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-296, pls. xlviii.—Ixxvi.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. ByH.Drucz. (Pp. 1-490.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-184.)
(Pls. i.lvii.)
Phynchota Homoptera, By W.L. Distayz. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i-v.)
Diptera. Vol.1. By Baron ©. RB. Ostex Sackun. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i-iii.)
Vol. I. By F. M. van per Wore. (Pp. 1-264, pls. ivi)
Vol. III. By S. W. Wittistoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
Neuroptera. By A. E. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. By A. pr Bormans, H. pz Saussure, and L. Zeuntyer. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i.-ii1.)
ARCHZIOLOGY.
By A. P. Mavpstay. (Pp. 1-64, pls. i—xcix.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
LOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Atston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orto Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera, Vol. 1. part 1 (Apepnaca). By H. W. Barns. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
55 Vol. I. part 2 (ApepnAca &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
ne Vol. II. part 2 (Prcrinicornia and Lame.uicornta). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
é. Vol. TI. part 2 (Matacoprrmata). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
Vol. IV. part 1 (Hmtzromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.)
S Vol. IV. part 2 (HeTERommra, continued). By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
ie Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Bares. (Brucnipes): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
ty Vol. VI. part 1 (PHytoPHaGa, part). By M. Jacopy. (Pp. xx &626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage, pls. i—
XXX1x.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tur Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
AMPHIBIA.
PISCES. Museum.
By Dr. A. Ginrner, F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacatan, F.R.S.
Fd
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume, :
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
PART XVII. (TExt).) |
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-AMERICANA:;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
OF
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F. DUCANE GODMAN.
“ARCHAEOLOGY.
SSO ee cas a ce ine
$ 5. f.
PA
7
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
- Trxt. (Vol. I. pp. 65-69, and Preface pp. ili-v; Titlepages and Contents for
Vols. L-1V. and Titlepage for Appendix.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREDT, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O, Satvin and F. D. Gopman.. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. I]. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi—lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-264, pls. 1xi.—Ixx.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol. 11. By F. O. Pickarp Camsrines. (Pp. 1-392, pls. i—xxxvi.)
Arachnida Scorpiones, By R.1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-32, pls. i—vi.)
Chilopoda. By R. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iii.)
Coleopter a. Vol. II. part 1 (Psevapuipaz &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Matruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-688, pls. i.—xix.) ;
Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncnopHora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i.—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 4 (RuyNcHoPHoRA, continued). By G: C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-64,
pls. i.—iv.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RayNcHoPHORA, continued). By D. SHARP and W. F. H.
BianprorD. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i.—vil.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. Vol.1. By W. L. Distant and W. W. Fow.er. (Pp. 1-76,
pls. i—viii.)
Vol. II. By W.W. Fow.er. (Pp. 1-292, pls. i.—xix.)
Vol. II. part 2. By T. D. A. Cockrrmin. (Pp. 1-33.)
39 39
99 399
Diptera. Vol. 11. By F. M. van per Wuue. (Pp. 1-428, pls. i—xii.) -
Bs Vol. III. By S. W. Winston. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
Neuroptera: Erunueri.x, by A. E. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
%$ Oponar4, by P. P. Caryerr. (Pp. 17-96, pls. ii.-ty-)
Orthoptera. Vol. 11. By L. Bruner and A. P. Morse. (Pp. 1-32.)
“SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ARCHAZOLOGY.
By A. P. Mavupstay. (Vol. 1. pp. viii & 69; pls. cxix. Vol. II. pp. iv & 47; pls. xeviii.
Vol. II]. pp. iv & 50; pls. Ixxxii. Vol. 1V. pp. iv & 58; pls. xciii.)
By J. T. Goopmax. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. xii & 150.)
RS? oie ete ee
Poo nS Se teehee ea OP eS
ma ee
eg et
ee Aes
ee
“tea ey
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
LOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By EB. R. Auston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Reptilia and Batrachia. By A. Ginrunr. (Pp. xx & 326; pls. lxxvi.) |
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Manrrens. (Pp. xxviii & 706 ; pls. xliv.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol. 1. By O. Pickarp Cameripes. (Pp. xv & 317; pls. xxxix.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orzo Sot. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 1. part 1 (Aprrnaca). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
sy Vol. I. part 2 (ApEpHaGA &c.). By D. Saarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
- Vol. Il. part 2 (PecrinicorniA and LAMELLICORNIA). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
. Vol. HI. part 1 (Serricornta). By C. O. Watsruouse, G. H. Horn, and
G, C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. ae me
ss Vol. ae aa 2 (MatacoperMata). By HB. S. Gorwam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii :
‘i Vol. IV. part 1 (Hereromera). By G. C. Cuampion, (Pp. xxxiv & 072;
pls. xxiii.)
ne Vol. oe ae (HereRomErA, continued). By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi
a Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Bares. (BrucHipEs): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
is Vol. VI. part 1 (PHyropHaaa, part). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
Ae Vol. VI. part 2 (Puyropnaca, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C, Cuampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Vol. VII. (Exorviipz &c.). By H.S.Goruam. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. (LENTHREDINIDZ —CuRysipIDa). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xii & 487; :
pls. xx.)
% Vol. II. (Fossorrs). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xi & 413; pls. xiv.)
Vol. III. (Formicipm). By A. Foren. (Pp. 169 and Titlepage : pls. iv.)
Lepidoptera Ee Vol. I. By F. D.Gopman and O.Satvin. (Pp. xlvi & 487.)
Vol. II. By F. D. Gopman and O. Satvin. (Pp. 782 and
Titlepage.)
* a Vol. II. By F. D. Gopman and O. Satvin. (Pls. exii. &
xxiv. @ and Titlepage.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol. 1. By H. Deuce. (Pp. xxxii & 490.)
9 SS Vol. II. By H. Druce. (Pp. 622 and Titlepage.)
Vol. III. By H. Drvce. (Pls. ci. and Titlepage.)
Rhynohota Heteroptera Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp.xx & 462; pls. xxxix.)
Vol. II. By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 416; pls. xxii.)
Diptera. Vol. I. "By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken, S. W. Wiuuiston, J. M. A.pricu,
W..M. Wueeter, and A. L. Meander. (Pp. viii & 378; pls. vi.)
Orthoptera. Vol.1. By A. pz Bormans, A. Picrer, H. pe Saussure, and L. Zenntven.
(Pp. x & 458; pls. xxi.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols, 1—IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editor has been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in.
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second:
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged, —
have been undertaken as follows :—
PISCES. By Dr. A. Ginruun, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA. By Lorp WatsincHam. | *
ORTHOPTERA (Acridiidz). By L. Brunzn.
The Editor will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
‘wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
PART XI. (TExt).] [SEPTEMBER 1899. |}
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALLAMERICANA,
asian THE KNOWLEDGE
) Fe che FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA
ARCHHOLOGY.
BUREAU OF
AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY:
LSQOS
LoS eA ke
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text, (Vol. IL. pp. 1-16.)
LONDON: — |
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY oe
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W., S Vi
AND (Em
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET SUREET.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Sanvin and F. D. Gopman. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi.—lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-56, pls. Ixi., }xi1.)
Reptilia, By A. Géxruer. (Pp. 1-195, pls. i—lix.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrens. (Pp. 1-424, pls. i—xxii.)
Arachnida Araneidea, Vol.1. By O. Pickarp Cameripes. (Pp. 1-304, pls. i.—xxxii.)
0 » Vol. Il. By F. O. Pickarp Cameriver. (Pp. 1-56, pls. itv.)
Chilopoda. By R.1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i-iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. IL. part 1 (PseLapuipm &c.). By D. SHarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-552, pls. 1.-xvi.)
Vol. LV. part 35 (RuyncnorHora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i.—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (Ruyncuopuora, continued). By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
BuianprorD. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i—vi.)
99
22
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Cammron. (Pp. 1-474, pls. i.xx., Temporary Titlepage.)
33 Vol. Il. By P. Cameron. (Pp. 1-404, pls. ii—xiv., Temporary Titlepage.)
Vol. III. By A. Foren. (Pp. 1-80, pls. 1.111.)
39
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Gopman and O. Sauvix. Vol. 1. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. Il. (Pp. 1-460, pls. xlviti.—xci.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Druce. (Pp. 1-490.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-552.)
(Pls. 1.—xcix.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. Vol.11. By G. C. Cuampioy. (Pp. 1-264, pls. i.-xv.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
Vol. II. By W. W. Fowzsr. (Pp. 1-248, pls. i—xv.)
Diptera. Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—iii.)
5 Voll By Fe VAN DER WULP. (Pp. 1-392, pls. 1.-x.)
me Vol. III. By S. W. Wittistoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. 1., ii.)
Neuroptera, By A.¥. Baton, (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. By A. DE Bormans, A. Pictet, H. pp Saussurn, and L. Zeuntner. (Pp. 1-458,
pls:i—xxilt) (4.8
ARCHA:OLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i.—xcix. Vol. IL pp. 1-16, pls. 1.—xxiv.
Vol. II. pp. 1-24, pls. i-xxy. Vol. 1V. pp. 1-88, pls. 1.—xciii.)
By J. T. Gocpvan. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp.i-xu, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Ausron. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea, By Orro Stout. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. I. part 1 (AprpHaca). By H. W. Batss. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.) ~
99
Vol. I. part 2 (ApepHaca &c.). By D. Snare. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
Vol. II. part 2 (Pecrintcornia and LamEniicornia). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
Vol. III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C. O. Watsruouse, G. H. Hory, and
G. C.Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
Vol. III. part 2 (MaLacopErmata). By H. S. Gorwam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
Vol. IV. part 1 (Hererowera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572; .
pls. xxiii.)
Vol. IV. part 2 (HEeTERomERA, continued). By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x& A904 ;
pls. xxi.)
Vol. V. (Loneicornta): by H. W. Bates. (Brucaipus): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
Vol. VI. part 1 (PuyropHaca, part). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
Vol. VI. part 2 (Puyropnaea, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. CuamPion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiil.)
Vol. VII. (Erorvux &c.). By H.S.Gonwau. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
Rhynchota Heteropiera. Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage,
pls. 1.-xxxix.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols, I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editor has been spatineya in obtaining the ‘co-operation of many Z ZB oologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the ‘Authors ‘of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found : on the ‘third and second —
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at oes arranged, —
have been undertaken as follows :-—
AMPHIBIA. l By Dr. A. Giwraer, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
PIsces. | Museum. : LN SCI SR
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacutan, E.R.S.
The Editor will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
JE . (Gallee
PART XIV. (TEXT).] [FEBRUARY 1901. {jz
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALI-A MERICANA;
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
“BUREAU
AMERICAN ETH
FAUNA AND FLORA a
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
F, DUCANE GODMAN.
ARCH ZOLOGY.
BreAc P. Loe
CONTENTS.
Tux. (Vol. Il. pp. 17-39.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
BR. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Satvin and F. D. Gopman. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i.—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. Il. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi.lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. IIT.
(Pp. 1-156, pls. 1xi.—lxvi.)
Reptilia and Batrachia, By A. Géxranr. (Pp. 1-252, pls. i—Ixviii.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Martens. (Pp. 1-648, pls. i.—sliy.)
Arachnida Araneidea, Vol.1. By O. Pickarp Camsripgs. (Pp. 1-304, pls. 1.-xxxvi.)
Vol. Il. By F.O.Pickarp Campripes. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i.—xv.)
39 23
Chilopoda. By R. I. Pococs. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i.-iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. Il. part 1 (Pseuapnips &c.). By D. Suarp, A. MarTuews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-624, pls. i—xviii.)
Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncnopHors). By D. SHarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RuyNcHopHora, continued). By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
Buanprorp. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i—vi.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Gonman and O. Satin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-612, pls. xlviii.—cii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera, Vol. 1. By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-384, pls. i-xxi.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol. 1. By W. L. Distant and W. W. Fow.zr. (Pp. 1-76,
pls. 1.-viil.)
9 ao Vol. 11. By W. W. Fowter. (Pp. 1-292, pls. i—xix.)
” 5 Vol. II. part 2. By T. D. A. CockereLy. (Pp. 1-33.)
Diptera. Vol.1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken and S. W. Wituston. (Pp. 1-248, pls. iii.)
= Vol. II. By F. M. van per Woup. (Pp. 1-428, pls. 1.—xii.)
s Vol. Ill. By S. W. Wiuusroy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., 11.)
Neuroptera. By A.B. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. Vol. 11. By L. Bruner and A. P. Morsz. (Pp. 1-16.)
ARCHAZOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupsray. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64. pls. i.-xcix. Vol. II. pp. 1-39, pls. i.—Ixxv.
Vol. IL]. pp. 1-43, pls. i-li. Vol. 1V. pp. 1-88, pls. i—xciii.)
3y J. VT. Goopman. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Auston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. ae
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Srou. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. I. part 1 (ApEpHaca). By H. W. Bates. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
2 Vol. I. part 2 (ApEPHAGA &c.). By D. Smarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
Vol. IL. part 2 (Pectintcornia and LamMELiicornta). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
3 Vol. IIT. part 1 (Snrricornia). By C. O. Waternouss, G. H. Hory, and
G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
ee Vol. II]. part 2 (MauacoperMaTa). By H. S. Gorwam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
+s Vol. IV. part 1 (HeTeromera). By G. C. Campion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.)
» Vol. LV. part 2 (HeTeRomera, continued). By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
= Vol. V. (Lonercornia): by H. W. Bares. (Brucuipes): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
= Vol. VI. part 1 (PuyropHaca, part). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx &626; Supple-
- ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xlii.)
o Vol. VI. part 2 (Puytopnaca, continued). By J. S, Baty and G. C. Cuampioy.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
55 Vol. VII. (Erorynipa &c.). By H.S.Goruam. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
H ‘ymenoptera. Vol. J. (TentHREDINID#.—CurxsiDIDz). By P. Cammron. (Pp. xii & 487 ;
pls. xx.)
= Vol. II. (Fossorns). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xi & 413; pls. xiv.)
5, _ Vol. IIL. (Formicipz). By A. Foren. (Pp. 169 and Titlepage; pls. iv.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H. Deuce. (Pp. xxxii & 490.)
3 ue Vol. II. By H. Druce. (Pp. 622 and Titlepage.)
Vol. III. By H. Druce. (Pls. ci. and Titlepage.)
bb) 39
Rhynchota Heteroptera, Vol.1. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. xx & 462; pls. xsxix.)
Orthoptera, Vol.1. By A. pe Borwans, A. Picrer, H. ps Savssure, and L. Zeuyrner.
(Pp. x & 458 ; pls. xxii.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I.-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tur Editor has been fortunate in outaumae the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. ‘The remaining subjects, st so far as at present arranged,
haye been undertaken as follows :—
PISCES. By Dr. A. Ginruer, F.R.S., late ieoner of the Zoological Daaanent, British Wergania
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA. By Lorn Watsinenam. oe Bae
ODONATA. By P. P. Catverr.
ORTHOPTERA (Acridiidz). By L. Bruner.
The Editor will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will “be described and illustrated with
maps.
(rar cars i Va
Piste LO AG NGay eau |
He ,
PART XVI.
| -_ BIOLOGIA a
“CENTRALL AMERICANA; a
“On,
CONTRIBUTIONS 0 THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND: FLORA.
MBXICO AND CENTRAL - ane,
: EDITED. BY :
ae ‘DUGANE GODMAN.
eee .
By A. P. MAUDSLAY. —
CONTENTS.
. Qexr. (Vol. IL pp, 89-47.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
; ; AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
(TEXT).| _ [AUGUST 1902. jAow
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Satvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i.—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. I]. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi-lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-264, pls. Ixi.-]xx.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol. 11. By F. O. Pickarp Campriver. (Pp. 1-392, pls. i—xxxvi.
y P )
Arachnida Scorpiones, By R.1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-32, pls. i—vi.)
Chilopoda. By R. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i.-iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. II. part 1 (Pssrapuipa &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Matruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-688, pls. i.—xix.)
Vol. 1V. part 3 (RuyncHoPHORA). By D. Swarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 4 (Ruyncnopnora, continued). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-64,
pls. 1.-1v.)
Vol. LV. part 6 (RuyNcHoPHoRA, continued). By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
Buanprorp. (Pp. 1-224, pls. 1.—vii.) .
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol.1. By W. L. Distaya and W. W. Fowzr. (Pp. 1-76,
pls. i.—viii.)
Vol. Il. By W.W. Fowter. (Pp. 1-292, pls. i.—xix.)
Vol. II. part 2. By T. D. A. Cockrreiu. (Pp. 1-383.)
Diptera. Vol. 1. By F. M. van per Wuxp. (Pp. 1-428, pls. i.—xii.)
Vol. II]. By 8S. W. Wiuuistoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. 1., ii.)
39
Neuroptera : Epuemeri2, by A. BE. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. 1.)
e OvonaTa, by P. P. Catvert. (Pp. 17-96, pls. i1.-iv.)
Orthoptera. Vol. 1. By L. Bruner and A. P. Morsz. (Pp. 1-82.)
ARCHAOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupsray. (Vol. 1. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. II. pp. 1-47, pls. i—xeviii.
Vol. IJ. pp. 1-50, pls. i-Ixxxii. Vol. IV. pp. 1-38, pls. i-—xciii.)
By J. T. Goopmay. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS. COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. ‘®By B. R. Auston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Reptilia and Batrachia. By A. Gixrner. (Pp. xx & 326; pls. Ixxvi.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrens. (Pp. xxviii & 706 ; pls. xliv.)
Arachnida Araneidéa. Vol.1. By O. Pickarp Camsrinés. (Pp. xv & 317; pls. xxxix.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Stouu. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.) -
Coleoptera, Vol. 1. part 1 (Aprpnaca), By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
n Vol. I. part 2 (ApmpHaca &c.). By D. Saarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
ee Vol. II. part 2 (Prcrintcornia and LAMELLICORNIA). By H. W. Batss. (Pp. xit
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
he Vol, III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C. O. Waternouse, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
ZA Vol. III. part 2 (MatacoperMara). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
" Vol. IV. part 1 (Hereromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.)
a Vol. IV. part 2 (HEeTERoMERA, continued). By G.C. Cuampion. (Pp.x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
$5 Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Bates. (BrucuipEs): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
3 _ Vol. VI. part 1 (PuytopHaca, part). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
x Vol. VI. part 2 (Puyropnaca, continued). By J.S. Baty and G. C. Cuampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Vol. VII. (ERoryLip& &c.). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. (LeEnTHREDINIDA —CurysipIDm#). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xii & 487;
pls. xx.)
93 Vol. II. (Fossorus). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xi & 413; pls. xiv.)
Vol. JIL (Formicip#). By A. Foren. (Pp. 169 and Titlepage; pls. iv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. Vol. I. By F. D. Gopman and O. Sauvin. (Pp. xlvi & 487.)
o . Vol. Il. By F. D. GopMan and O. Sanvin. (Pp. 782 and
Titlepage.)
os A Vol. Ul. By F. D. Gopman and O. Satvin. (Pls. exii. &
_ xxiv. a@ and Titlepage.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H. Druce. (Pp. xxxii & 490.)
a Vol. II. By H. Druce. (Pp. 622 and Titlepage.)
Vol. III. By H. Druce. (Pls. ci. and Titlepage.)
Rhynchota Heleroplera, Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. xx & 462; pls. xxxix.)
Vol. Il. By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 416; pls. xxii.)
Diptera. Vol. I. “By Baron C. R. Osten Sacxen, S. W. Wituiston, J. M. Anpricu,
W.M. Wueetsr, and A. L. Mevanper. (Pp. viii & 378; pls. vi.)
Orthoptera. Vol. 1. By A. pz Bormays, A. Picter, H. pm Savssurz, and L. Zennrner.
(Pp. x & 408; pls. xxii.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols, I.-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves, Vol.I. By O. Satvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-472, pls. xxxvi.—lx.)
Reptilia. By A. Giwrner. (Pp. 1-184, pls. i—lv.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Martens. (Pp. 1-248, pls. i—xv.)
Arachnida Araneidea. By O. Pickarp Camsripes. (Pp. 1-144, pls. i—xviii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. II. part 1 (Psetapnipz &c.). By D. Saarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-496, pls. i.—xiv.)
is Vol. III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C. O. WateruHouse, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-376, pls. i-xvi.)
i Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncHopHoRA). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
3 Vol. IV. part 6 (RHYNcHOPHORA, continued). By D.Suarp. (Pp. 1-48, pls. 1., 11.)
s Vol. VII. (Erorytips &c.). By H. 8. Gornam. (Pp. 1-208, pls. i—xi.) i
Hymenoptera. Vol. 1. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i—xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-368,
pls. i.—xiv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Govman and O. Sauvin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-400, pls. xlvili—lxxxvi.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Drucz. (Pp. 1-490.) Vol. I. (Pp. 1-232.)
(Pls. i—Ix.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. Vol.1. By W.L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
Vol. Il. By W. W. Fowtsr. (Pp. 1-88, pls. ivi.)
Diptera. Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. iii.)
@ Vol. 11. By F. M. van per Woutp. (Pp. 1-264, pls. i.—vi.)
os Vol. III. By S. W. Wituistoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., i1.)
Neuroptera. By A. E. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera, By A. pn Bormans, H. pr Saussure, and L. Zeuntyer. (Pp. 1-200, pls. i—x.)
ARCHAZZOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. ILI. pp. 1-24, pls. 1.-xxv.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Auston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. I. part 1 (ApmpHaca). By H. W. Barus. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
oS Vol. I. part 2 (ApEPHAGA &c.). By D. Smarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
3 Vol. II. part 2 (Prcrinicornia and Lamenuicornia). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xi
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
a Vol. III. part 2 (Matacopermata). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
yee Vol. IV. part 1 (Hereromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.) .
Vol. IV. part 2 (HETERomEra, continued). ByG.C.Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
= Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Bates. (BrucwipEs): by D. SHarpP. —
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
. Vol. VI. part 1 (PuytopHaca, part). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. xx &626; Supple- —
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.) i
mi Vol. VI. part 2 (PHYTOPHAGA, continued). By J. S. Bauy and G. C. CHAMPION. ‘
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage, pls. i.-
XXKXIx.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :— |
AMPHIBIA. l By Dr. A. Gunter, F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
PISCES. | Museum.
a“
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacutan, F.R.S.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
PART XIII. (Texr), [APRIL 1900.
BIOLOGIA al
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND -FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F. DUCANE GODMAN.
ARCHZZOLOGY.
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text, (Vol. III. pp. 25-43.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
3 AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZLOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. 1. By O. Sauvin and F. D, Gopman. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi.—Ix., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-56, pls. 1xi., 1xii.)
Reptilia and Batrachia. By A. Gixraer. (Pp. 1-220, pls. i—Ixvi.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrens. (Pp. 1-520, pls. i—xxxv.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol.1. By O. Picxarp Camermeas. (Pp. 1-304, pls. i.—xxxiii.)
5 35 Vol. II. By F. O. Pickarp Camsripez. (Pp. 1-128, pls. 1.—viil.)
Chilopoda. By R. I. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i-iii.) —
Coleoptera. Vol. Il. part 1 (Psetaram# &c.). By D. Smarr, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-624, pls. i.—xviil.)
es Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncHopHorA). By D. SHarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RayNncHoPHoRA, continued). By D. Sarr and W. F. H.
BuanprorD. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i—vi.)
9
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Cameron. (Pp. 1-474, pls. i-xx., Temporary Titlepage.)
Vol. Il. By P. Cameron. (Pp. 1-404, pls. i.—xiv., Temporary Titlepage.)
39
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Govman and O. Sanvix. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-460, pls. xlviii.—xci.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera, Vol. 1. By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-336, pls. i—xviii.)
Phynchota Homoptera, Vol.1. By W.L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
Vol. II. By W.W. Fowter. (Pp. 1-264, pls. i.—xvi.)
5 4 Vol. II. part 2. By T. D. A. Cockrrent. (Pp. 1-33.)
Diptera. Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Osan Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—iii.)
$5 Vol. II. By F. M. van DER WouLp. (Pp. 1-428, pls. i.—xii.)
5 Vol. II]. By S. W. Winusroy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
Neuroptera, By A.E. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
39 39
ARCHAEOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. IL. pp. 1-16, pls. i—xxiv.
Vol. ILI. pp. 1-43, pls. 1.-li. Vol. TV. pp. 1-88, pls. i—xciii.)
By J. T. Goopman. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
4
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia, By E.R. Ausroy. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orvo Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 1. part 1 (ApmpHaga). By H. W. Bates. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
Vol. I. part 2 (ADEPHAGA &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
Vol. II. part 2 (Pecrinicornia and LaMELLIcorNIA). By H. W. Barss. (Pp. xii
& 432 ; pls. xxiv.)
Vol. ILI. part 1 (Serricornia).. By C. O. Warsruouss, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. CHampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
Vol. III. part 2 (Matacopermata). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
Vol. IV. part 1 (Hetsromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.)
Vol. IV. part 2 (HETEROMERA, continued). By G.C. Campion. (Pp. x & 494;
PISexxinje ;
Vol. V. (Lonercornia): by H. W. Bares. (Brucumes): by D. Snapp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
Vol. VI. part 1 (PHyropHaca, part). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.) ;
Vol. VI. part 2 (PHyropnaga, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. Cuampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Vol. VII. (Eroryiips &c.). By H.S. Goruam. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
Hymenoptera (Forme). Vol. III. By A. Foruu. (Pp. 169 and Titlepage ; pls. iv.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H. Druce. (Pp. xxxii & 490.)
39
29
Rhynchota Heteroptera. Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. xx & 462; pls. xxxix.)
ae Vol. II. By H. Drvcz. (Pp. 622 and Titlepage.)
a Vol. IIT. By H. Deuce. (Pls. ci. and Titlepage.)
Orthoptera. Vol. I. By A. pr Bormans, A. Picrer, H. pg Saussure, and L. Zemyrner.
(Pp. x & 458 ; pls. xxii.) :
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
‘luz Editor has been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second —
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
PISCES. By Dr. A. Ginruer, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British Museum.
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA. By Lorp WatsincHam. ~
ODONATA. By P. Catverr.
ORTHOPTERA (Acridiide) . By L. Bruner.
The Editor will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps. ee
ir XV. (TExT).] uci 6
BIOLOGIA
~CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
“CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMBRICA.
F, DUCANE GODMAN,
ARCHEOLOGY.
a fe
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text. (Vol. ILL. pp. 43-50.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
PRINTED BY TAYLOE AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves, Vol. 1. By O. Sanvin and F. D. Gopman. (Pp. 1-512, pls. ixxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. I]. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi.-lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-264, pls. lxi.—lxix.)
Reptilia and Batrachia, By A. Géxruer. (Pp. 1-308, pls. i.lxxvi.)
Arachnida Araneidea, Vol.1. By O. Prcxarp Cameriper. (Pp. 1-304, pls. i-xxxix.)
9 S Vol. II. By F. O. Pickarp CamBripéE. (Pp. 1-360, pls. i.—xxxiii.)
Chilopoda. By R. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i-iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. IL. part 1 (PsetapHipa &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-672, pls. i—xix.)
B Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncHopHorA). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
» Vol. IV. part 6 (RHyNcHOPHORA, continued). By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
Bianprorp. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i.—vii.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol.1. By W. L. Distant and W. W. Fownmr. (Pp. 1-76,
pls. 1.—vili.)
Sy Vol. I. By W.W. Fow ier. (Pp. 1-292, pls. i.—xix.)
Vol. IL. part 2. By T. D. A. Cockerent. (Pp. 1-53.)
Diptera. Vol. 11. By F. M. van per Wouup. (Pp. 1-428, pls. i—xii.)
5 Vol. II. By 8S. W. Wiuustoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., il.)
Neuroptera: Eruemurm.s, by A.B. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Ovonara, by P. P. Calvert. (Pp. 17-96, pls. ij.-iv.)
29
Orthoptera. Vol. 11. By L. Broyer and A. P. Morss. (Bp. 32)
- ARCHAOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. IL. pp. 1-39, pls. i-lxxy.
Vol. Il]. pp. 1-50, pls. i-Ixxxii. Vol. LV. pp. 1-38, pls. i—xciii.)
By J. T. Goopman. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia, By E.R. Austoy. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Manrens. (Pp. xxviii & 706 ; pls. xliv.)
Arachnida Acaridea, By Ovvo Sto. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera, Vol. 1. part 1 (Aprpuaca). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
ss Vol. I. part 2 (ApEPHAGA &c.). By D. Smarr. _ (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
3 Vol. II. part 2 (PEctinicorNIA and Lame.Licornia). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xit
_ & 432; pls. xxiv.) ' ;
re Vol. III. part 1 (SERRICORNIA). By C. O. Warternouse, G. H. Horny, and
G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
5 Vol. U1. part 2 (Mazacopurmata), By H. S. Goruam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
5 Vol. IV. part 1 (Heteromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572:
pls. xxiii.)
5 Vol. IV. part 2 (Hetzromera, EUAN) By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
. Vol. V. (Lonetcornta): by H. W. Bates. (BrucHIDES): by D. Smarr.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
a5 Vol. VI. part 1 (PuytopHaga, part), By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx &626; Supple.
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
es Vol. VI. part 2 (PHyropnaca, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. Cuaron.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Vol. VU. (ERoryiip2 &c.). By H.S. Goruam. (Pp. xii & 276; pls. xiii.)
Hymenoptera, Vol. I. (TENTHREDINID#.—CurysipIpm). By P. Cameron. (Pp. xii © 487:
pls. xx.)
es -_ Vol. II. (Fossorss).. By P. Camuron. (Pp. xi & 413; pls. xiv.)
Vol. IL1. (Formicipa). By A. Forzn. (Pp. 169 and Titlepage; p's. iv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. Vol. 1. By F.D.Gopmay and O. Sanvix. (Pp. xlvi & 487.)
a a Vol. II. By F. D. Gopman and QO. Satvin. (Pp. 782 and
ee Titlepage.)
6 eae Vol. I. By. F. D. Gopmwan and O. Satvin. (Pls. exii. &
xxiv.q@ and Titlepage.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H. Drvcs. (Pp. xxxii & 490.)
3 93 Vol. II. By H. Drucz. (Pp. 622 and Titlepage.)
Vol. III. By H. Druce. (Pls. ci. and Titlepage.)
Rhynohota Heteroplera, Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. xx & 462; pls. xxxix.)
Vol. Il. By G. C: Caampion. (Pp. xvi & 416; pls. xxii.)
Diptera. Vol. L. by Baron C. R. Osten Sacken, S. W. Wixustox, J. M. A.pricu,
W. M. Wueeter, and A. L. Metanper. (Pp. vii & 378 ; pls. vi.)
ee Vol. I. By A. pre Bormans, A. Picret, H. De Saussure, and L. Zeantyer.
Pp. x & 458; pls. xxii.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Yols. I.-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editor has been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists i, =
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors. of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second é
pages of this wrapper. | The remaining ‘subjects, so ae as at Een arranged, :
have been undertaken as follows: —
PISCES. By Dr. A. Ginruer, FR. S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British Museum. aS
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA, By Loxp WatsincHan. a
ORTHOPTERA (Acridiidz). By L. Bronzr.
The Editor will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Tired teeny Vee
wherein the physical features 2 the country will be described and ‘illustrated with
maps. : SAT
*
BIOLOGIA a
CENTRALI-AMERICANA; |
PART VI. (TEx7).|
OR,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
EIEIO WES ad SR
RIGAN BTENOLMSey i). F
[| Di bRA Ry. |
we 6 Seen u |
By A. P. MAUDSLAY. ay ee
CONTENTS.
Text. (Vol. IV. pp. 1-18.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Sanvin and F. D. Gopman. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-520, pls. xxxvi.—lx.)
Reptilia, By A. Gtwrnur. (Pp. 1-195, pls. i—lix.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. voy Martens. (Pp. 1-248, pls. i—xv.)
Arachnida Araneidea, By O. Prcxarp Camsripen. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—xix.)
Chilopoda. By R. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 11. part 1 (Psetaruia &c.). By D. Suarr, A. Martuews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-496, pls. i.—xiv.)
Vol. IIL. part 1 (Serricornia). By C. O. Warsruouse, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. 1-496, pls. i.—xx.)
Vol. IV. part 8 (RuyncHopHora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RuyncuorHora, continued). By D. SHarp and W. F. H.
BuanpForD. (Pp. 1-120, pls. i—iv.)
x Vol. VII. (Erotyiipa &c.). By H.S. Gornam. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—xi.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i-xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-376,
pls. i.—xiv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Govmawy and O. Satyin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-424, pls. xlviii.—lxxxviii.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Druce. (Pp.1-490.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-298.)
, (Pls. ilxiv.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol.1. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
- * Vol. II. By W.W. Fowter. (Pp. 1-144, pls. i—viii.)
Diptera, Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. iii.)
* Vol. Il. By F. M. van DER Wop. (Pp. 1-288, pls. i.—vil.)
5 Vol. Ill. By S. W. Witustoy. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., 1.)
Neuroptera. By A.E. Karon. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera, By A. pp Bormans, H. pz Saussure, and L. Zeunrner. (Pp. 1-200, pls. i.—x.)
ARCHZEOLOGY.
By A. P. Matpszay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. III. pp. 1-24, pls. i—xxv.
Vol. IV. pp. 1-18, pls. i—xxiv.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Atston. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orro Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 1. part 1 (Apmpmaca). By H. W. Barzs. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
39
99
33
99
99
Vol. I. part 2 (ApEPHaGa &c.). By D. SHarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. x1x.)
Vol. 11. part 2 (Pecrivicornia and LamMELLicornia). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
Vol. II. part 2 (Mazacoprrmara). By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
Vol. IV. part 1 (Hurnromera). By G. C. Cnampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.)
Vol. IV. part 2 (HETERoMERA, continued). ByG.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
Vol. V. (LoneicorniA): by H. W. Bares. (Brucuipes): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
Vol. VI. part 1 (PuyropHaca, part). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
Vol. VI. part 2 (Puyropnaca, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. Cuampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera, Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage,
pls. 1.-—xxxix.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
AMPHIBIA. | By Dr. A. Gunruer, F.R.S., Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
PISCES. | Museum.
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacutan, F.R.S.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
NY
(
PART VII. (TExtT).] [SEPTEMBER 1896.
BIOLOGIA :
CENTRALI-AMERICANA;
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND FLORA
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.
EDITED BY
F, DUCANE GODMAN AND OSBERT SALVIN,
ARCHA,OLOGY.
BUREAU. OF
| AMERICAN ETHNOL@S
| Se
a
j
} SS et A ee
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
CONTENTS.
Text. (Vol. 1V. pp. 19-26.)
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZLOOLOGY.
Aves, Vol.I. By O. Satvin and F. D, Gopmayn. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i-xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-560, pls. xxxvi.—lx.)
Reptilia, By A. Géxrner. (Pp. 1-195, pls. i—lix.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Martens. (Pp. 1-248, pls. i—xv.)
Arachnida Araneidea. By O. Pickarp Cameriper. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i.—xxii.)
Chilopoda. By RB. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i-iii.)
Coleoptera. Vol. 11. part 1 (Pseuapnipa &c.). By D. Suarp, A. Marruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-496, pls. 1.-xv.)
Vol. ILI. part 1 (Serricornia).. By C. O. Waternouse, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. CuamPion. (Pp. 1-884, pls. i.—xxv.)
Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncHopHoRa). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i.—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RayncHopHorA, continued). By D. SHarp and W. F. H.
BuanprorD. (Pp. 1-144, pls. 1.-v.)
Vol. VII. (Erorytipa &c.). By H.S. Goruam. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—xi.)
+b)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i-xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-400,
pls. 1.—xiv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥. D. Govman and O. Sauvin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i-xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-440, pls. xlviii.—lxxxix.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Druce. (Pp. 1-490.) Vol. 1. (Pp. 1-336.)
(Pls. i.—lxviii.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol. 1. By W.L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
4 = Vol. II. By W.W. Fowzer. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i.—x.)
Diptera. Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Osten Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i.-ii1.)
“3 Vol. II. By F. M. van per Wop. (Pp. 1-344, pls. i.—viii.)
‘ Vol. II. By S. W. Winusron. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
Neuroptera. By A. E. Faron. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. By A. pp Bormanys, H. pr Saussure, and L. Zeuntwer. (Pp. 1-216, pls. xi.)
ARCHAOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupstay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i-xcix. Vol. III. pp. 1-24, pls. i—xxy.
Vol. LV. pp. 1-26, pls. i.—xlviii.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
A
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Atsron. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Orto Stott. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
Coleoptera. Vol. I. part 1 (AprpHaca). By H. W. Bates. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
ie Vol. I. part 2 (ADEPHAGA &c.). By D. SHarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
5 Vol. II. part 2 (Pecrinicornta and LAMELLIcoRNIA). By H. W. Batss. (Pp. xii
3 & 432; pls. xxiv.)
‘, Vol. II. part 2 (Manacoprrmata). By H. S. Gorwam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
s Vol. IV. part 1 (Hereromera). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 072;
pls. xxiii.)
x Vol. IV. part 2 (HETEROMERA, continued). ByG.C. Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
= Vol. V. (Loneicornia): by H. W. Bates. (Brucuipes): by D. Swarr.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
+ Vol. VI. part 1 (PHyropHaaa, part). By M.Jacopy. (Pp. xx &626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xii.)
45 Vol. VI. part 2(PHyToPHAGA, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. CHampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage,
pls. i.-xxxix.)
\
BOTANY. ;
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (Text), V. (Plates).
#
Rw
Tue Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :—
AMPHIBIA. l By Dr. A. Ginruer, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
PISCES. | Museum.
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacatan, F.R.S.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
PART IX. (TExtT).] ‘(OCTOBER 1897.
BIOLOGIA
CENTRALL AMERICANA;
| ee casi KNOWLEDGE
. FAUNA ie FLORA
-MBXICO. 0 ax oot AMERICA.
; co z DUCANE ne OSBERT SALVIN.
: apse ss
Br A P. ATAUDSLAY. ne
- CONTENTS. a7 (8
Text. (Vol. LV. pp. 27-30.) ”
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITORS BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
“AND
DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. _
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Sauvin and F. D. (Gopuaw. (Pp. 1- 519, pls. i—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage. ) Vol. Il. (Pp. 1-998, pls. xxxvi.—lIx., Tempore Titlepage.)
h
Ht
Reptilia, By Av Gtyruer- (Pp. 1-195, pls i-lix.)) = heey
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Maxtsxs. (Pp. 1-248, pls. i—xv.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol. 1. By O. Pickarp Camsrives. (Pp. 1-232, pls. i.—xxviii.)
Vol. II. By F. O, Picxarp Campripéz. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i., ii.)
Chilopoda. By R. I. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i.-iii,) _
Coleoptera, Vol. II. part 1 (Psenarnip2 &c.). By D. Smarr, A. Marrnews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-496, pls. i—xv.)
Vol. IV. part 3 (RuyncnopHora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. i.—vi.)
Vol. IV. part 6 (RuyNcHoPHoRA, eerie): _By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
-Branprorp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. ivi) te
Vol. VII. (Erorytipz &c.). By H. S. Gonwam. (Pp. 1-240, pls. i—xiii.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. 1. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i—xx.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-400,
pls. 1.—xiv.) me ge
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥F. D. Gopmay and O. Satvin, Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i-xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-448, pls. xlviii—lxxxix.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Drucs. (Pp.1-490.) Vol. U1. (Pp, 1-416.)
(Pls. i.—Ixxx.)
Rhynchota Homoptera, Vol.1. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i.-v.)
iS s Vol. I]. By W. W. Fowter. (Pp. 1-200, pls. i—xii.)
Diptera, Vol. 1. By Baron C. R. Ostey Sackun. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i.-iii.)
is Vol. II. By F. M. van per Wuxp. (Pp. 1-360, pls. i—viii.)
Vol. III. By S. W. Wmusroy.. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
99
Neuroptera, By A.E. Eaton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. By A. DE Bormans, A. Picrer, H. pe Saussure, and L. Zeuntner. (Pp. 1-320,
pls. 1.—xv.) Sot 4
ARCHEOLOGY.
By A. P. Maupsuay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64. pls. i—xcix. Vol. IIL. pp. 1-24, Ae 1.—XXv.
Vol. LV. pp. 1-50, pls. i—lxxiii.)
By J. T. Goopmay. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions, Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Austoy. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea. By Oro Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls, xxi.)
oe Vol. I. part 1 (AprpHaca), By H. W. Bares. (Pp. x & 816; pls. xiii.)
599
99
99
peda aban a
Vol. {. part 2 (Abspaaca &c.). By D. Suarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
- | Vol IL. part 2 (Prcristconwia and LAMELLICORNIA). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& ee : ls xxiv.)
Vol. Tl. part 1 ismeaannray By C. O. Warsruouse, G, H. Hory, and
G. C. Cuampton. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.).
~ Vol. III. Part, 2 (Manacopexacana), By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
oo IV. part 1 (Hnreromea). By G. C. Cuampion. (Pp. xxxiv & 572;
pls. xxiii.) |
Vol. IV. part 2 (HeTEROMERA, continued). ByG.C.Cuampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
Vol. V. (Loxercornia) : by H. W. Bares. (BrucapEs): by D. Suarp.
(Pp. xii & 526; pls. xxvi.)
Vol. VI. part 1 (PuyropHaea, part). By M.Jacosy. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
‘Vol. VI. part 2 (PHytoPHaca, continued). By J. S. Baty and G. C. Cuampion.
~ (Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.) : rue
Biche Fe Vol. I. By W.L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, me and Titlepage,
pls. 1.-xxxix.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I.-IV. (‘Text), V. (Plates).
2 cit
ty
Tus Editors have been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
pages of this wrapper. The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
have been undertaken as follows :— ca . ne s
?
AMPHIBIA, — |
By Dr. A. Ginraer, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British
\ eee
PISCES. |
Museum.
se be 2) ewe Dery
i ape ema)
NEUROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacatan, F.R.S.
The Editors will prepare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
4
maps. kg a oe
ALN
ss See nt eo
- (JANUARY 1899.
= BIOLOGIA =
CENTRALLAMERICANA;
a ie KNOWLEDGE
FAUNA AND FLORA
OF
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERIUA.
EDITED BY Le
F. DUCANE GODMAN.
BUREAU“ OF —
: 25 AMERICAN STHNGLAGW 4 =
ARCHAOLOGY. Sine
Se TESS
Les
LIBRARY
By A. P. MAUDSLAY.
Rmewhd
CONTENTS.
Text, (Vol. 1V. pp. 31-38.)
LONDON:
: PUBLISHED FOR THE EDITOR BY
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.,
AND
- DULAU & CO., SOHO SQUARE, W.
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS IN PROGRESS.
ZOOLOGY.
Aves. Vol. I. By O. Sauvin and F. D. Gopmay. (Pp. 1-512, pls. i—xxxv., Temporary
Titlepage.) Vol. IJ. (Pp. 1-598, pls. xxxvi—lx., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. III.
(Pp. 1-40, pls. Ixi., Ixii.)
Reptilia. By A. Géyruer. (Pp. 1-195, pls. i—lix.)
Terrestrial and Fluviatile Mollusca. By E. von Marrens. (Pp. 1-368, pls. i.—xx.)
Arachnida Araneidea. Vol.1. By O. Picxarp Camermnes. (Pp. 1-288, pls. i—xxx.)
9 9 Vol. II. By F. O. Pickarp CamsBriper. (Pp. 1-40, pls. i., ii.)
Chilopoda. By R. 1. Pocock. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iii.)
Coleoptera, Vol. 11. part 1 (Pseuaruipa &c.). By D. SHarp, A. Matruews, and G. Lewis.
(Pp. 1-496, pls. i.—xv.)
i Vol. IV. part 3 (Ruyncnopuora). By D. Suarp. (Pp. 1-168, pls. ivi.)
me Vol. IV. part 6 (RuyNcHopHora, continued). By D. Suarp and W. F. H.
BLaNDFoRD. (Pp. 1-224, pls. i—vi.)
= Vol. VII. (Erorytip# &c.). By H.S. Gornam. (Pp. 1-256, pls. i.—xiii.)
Hymenoptera. Vol. I. By P. Camuron. (Pp. 1-466, pls. i—xx.) Vol. I. (Pp. 1-400,
pls. i.—xiv.)
Lepidoptera Rhopalocera. By ¥F. D. Govmay and O. Sanvin. Vol. I. (Pp. 1-487,
pls. i—xlvii., Temporary Titlepage.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-448, pls. xlvili—xc.)
Lepidoptera Heterocera. Vol.1. By H.Druce. (Pp.1-490.) Vol. II. (Pp. 1-536.)
(Pls. i.—xevii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. Vol. 11. By G. C. Cuampron. (Pp. 1-192, pls. i—xi.)
Rhynchota Homoptera. Vol. 1. By W. 1. Distant. (Pp. 1-40, pls. iv.)
= e Vol. II]. By W.W. Fowzer. (Pp. 1-216, pls. i—xiii.)
Diptera, Vol. I. By Baron C. R. Osren Sacken. (Pp. 1-216, pls. iii.)
- Vol. Il. By F. M. van per Woutp. (Pp. 1-384, pls. 11x.)
» Vol. III. By S. W. Wituiston. (Pp. 1-89, pls. i., ii.)
Neuroptera. By A.E. Baton. (Pp. 1-16, pl. i.)
Orthoptera. By A. pz Bormans, A. Picrer, H. pe Saussure, and L. Zenntner. (Pp. 1-456,
pls. 1.—xxii.)
ARCHA,OLOGY.
By A. P. Maupsuay. (Vol. I. pp. 1-64, pls. i—xcix. Vol. ILI. pp. 1-24, pls. i-xxv.
Vol. LY. pp. 1-88, pls. i.—xciii.)
By J. T. Goopmay. (Appendix: The Archaic Maya Inscriptions. Pp. i-xii, 1-150.)
BIOLOGIA CENTRALI-AMERICANA.
SUBJECTS COMPLETED.
ZOOLOGY.
Mammalia. By E.R. Atsron. (Pp. xx & 220; pls. xxii.)
Arachnida Acaridea, By Orvo Stow. (Pp. xxi & 55; pls. xxi.)
_ Coleoptera, Vol. I. part 1 (Apnpmaca). By H. W. Barss. (Pp. x & 316; pls. xiii.)
Vol. I. part 2 (ADEPHAGA &c.). By D. Saarp. (Pp. xvi & 824; pls. xix.)
Vol. II. part 2 (Pecrinicornia and LaMELiicornia). By H. W. Bares. (Pp. xii
& 432; pls. xxiv.)
Vol. III. part 1 (Serricornia). By C..O. Warernouss, G. H. Horn, and
G. C. Campion. (Pp. xvi & 690; pls. xxvii.)
Vol. III. part 2 (Matacoprrmara), By H. S. Gornam. (Pp. xii & 372;
pls. xiii.)
Vol. IV. part 1 (Hereromera). By G. C. Campion. (Pp. uxxiv & 072;
pls. xxiii.)
Vol. IV. part 2 (HETEROMERA, continued). By G.C. Caampion. (Pp. x & 494;
pls. xxi.)
Vol. V. (Lonercornia): by H. W. Bates. (Brucuipes): by D. SuHarp.
(Pp. xii & 626; pls. xxvi.)
Vol. VI. part 1 (PuytopHaca, part). By M.Jacony. (Pp. xx & 626; Supple-
ment, pp. iv & 374; pls. xliii.)
Vol. VI. part 2 (PHYToPHAGA, continued). By J. S. Bary and G. C. Cuampion.
(Pp. x & 249; pls. xiii.)
Rhynchota Heteroptera. Vol. I. By W. L. Distant. (Pp. 1-462, i-xx, and Titlepage,
pls. 1.-xxxix.)
BOTANY.
Complete in Five Volumes. Vols. I-IV. (‘Text), V. (Plates).
Tus Editor has been fortunate in obtaining the co-operation of many Zoologists in
the Zoological part of this Work. The names of the Authors of the different
subjects already finished and in progress will be found on the third and second
ages of this wrapper. ‘The remaining subjects, so far as at present arranged,
pag g 9
have been undertaken as follows:—
AMPHIBIA. l By Dr. A. Ginruer, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Zoological Department, British :
PISCES. Museum. Be:
NEUBROPTERA. By R. M‘Lacuxan, F.RB.S.
The Editor will pgpare, at the conclusion of the Work, an Introductory Volume,
wherein the physical features of the country will be described and illustrated with
maps.
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