Chapter 3

If we refer now to Plate 43 of the Borgian Codex, as found in Kingsborough's "Mexican Antiquities," Vol. III, a photo-engraved copy of which is presented in our Fig. 4, we shall, as I believe, not only find additional confirmation of the views I have advanced in reference to the peculiar arrangement of the days around the quadrilateral in the plate of the Cortesian Codex, but also strong evidence of a common origin of the Mexican and Central American calendars.

This plate of the Borgian Codex, which is Mexican and not Maya, consists of four groups, the whole arranged in the form of a square; each group, also a square, is surrounded by a serpent, the heads of the four serpents being brought near together at the center, which is indicated by the figure of the sun. Each of these serpents, as I have heretofore intimated,[9] probably denotes one of the four-year series of the cycle of fifty-two years, just as in the Maya cycle we would say "the Cauac series," "Kan series," etc.[10] The thirteen years of each series, is denoted by the small circles on the serpents. The four large figures are, as we shall hereafter see, fanciful representations of certain ideas held by this people in regard to the four cardinal points, each probably with its significant color as understood by the artist, and each probably indicating one of the four-year bearers.

But at present our attention is directed to something else to be found on this plate. In each of the four spaces and around each of the large figures we observe five Mexican day symbols connected usually with the main figure by heavy-waved colored lines. What is the signification of these day symbols in this connection? Precisely the same, I believe, as those in the four sides of the quadrilateral in the Codex Cortesianus. But first I would remark that the waved, colored, connecting lines have no other signification than to denote the parts of the body to which the days are here severally assigned; hence, as they have no bearing on the questions now under discussion, I shall have no occasion to take any further notice of them.

If we arrange the Mexican days in four columns as we did the Maya, that is, placing the first name in the first column, the second in the second column, and so on, following the usual orthography and the order given, the groups will be as follows:

TABLE XI.

1. 2. 3. 4. Cipactli. Ehecatl. Calli. Cuetzpalin. Coatl. Miquiztli. Mazatl. Tochtli. Atl. Itzquintli. Ozomatli. Malinalli. Acatl. Ocelotl. Quauhtli. Cozcaquauhtli. Ollin. Tecpatl. Quiahuitl. Xochitl.

Or, to give them their English equivalents as we usually find them, as follows:

TABLE XII.

1. 2. 3. 4. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower.

Comparing these columns with the symbols around each one of these large figures we find that to each one of the latter are assigned the days of one of these four columns. In the lower left-hand square, to the large green figure, those in column 1; thus, at the left foot, the Dragon; to the back of the head, the Snake; to the eye, Cane; in the right hand, Water; and below the elbow, but connected with the mouth, Ollin or movement (sometimes translated earthquake). To the yellow figure, in the lower right-hand square, are applied those of the second column; to the black figure, in the upper right-hand square, those of the third column; and to the red figure, in the upper left-hand square, those of the fourth column. There is therefore scarcely any doubt that this arrangement is for precisely the same purpose as that in the plate of the Codex Cortesianus.

As proof that the Mexicans used these combinations in much the same way as the Maya priests I call attention to the following examples:

On Plate 59, of the same (Borgian) Codex, we find two columns of days, one on the right and the other on the left, as follows:

_Left column._ _Right column._ Tochtli. Quauhtli. Ehecatl. Atl. Cozcaquauhtli. Calli. Itzquintli. Ollin. Cuetzpalin. Ozomatli. Tecpatl. Coatl. Malinalli. Quiahuitl. Miquiztli. Acatl. Xochitl. Mazatl. Ocelotl. Cipactli.

Comparing these with the names in the four columns (Table XI), we find that those on the left were taken alternately from columns 4 and 2, and those on the right alternately from columns 3 and 1. On Plates 61 and 62 we find substantially the same arrangement, or at least the same idea as the extract from Codex Peresianus, heretofore referred to. On these two plates (embracing all of 61, and the lower left-hand square of 62) we find five squares, each one bordered on two sides with the symbol of a single day repeated thirteen times and accompanied by numeral signs.

Commencing with the square on page 62, where the repeated day symbol is Cipactli, and reading the line from left to right and up the column, we find the numbers to be as follows, filling out the effaced ones in the line:

_Cipactli_, 1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7 (the symbol being repeated with each number.)[TN-10]

In the next, the lower right-hand square on Plate 61, where the day is Coatl, the numbers, reading the same way, are as follows (filling out one effaced one):

_Coatl_, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7, 1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11.

Taking the lower left-hand square next, the day Atl, and reading in the same direction, we find the numbers to be as follows (filling out two effaced groups):

_Atl_, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7, 1, 8, 2.

We take the upper left hand next, reading from left to right and up:

_Acatl_, 13, 7, 1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6.

Lastly, the upper right-hand square, reading the same way as the last.

_Ollin_, 4, 11, 5, 12, 6, 13, 7, 1, 8, 2, 9, 3, 10.

We have only to turn to our abridged calendar (Table III) to find this explained. If we take the Ix column and select every fourth day, to wit, Ix, Ezanab, Ik, Cimi, and Oc, and read the line of numbers opposite each, we shall find them corresponding precisely with those mentioned here. For instance, those opposite _Ix_ the same as those opposite _Cipactli_, &c.

We further notice that these five names, _Cipactli_, _Coatl_, _Atl_, _Acatl_, and _Ollin_, or, to use the English names, Dragon, Snake, Water, Cane, and Movement, are precisely those of column 1 of the arrangement of the Mexican days as heretofore given (Table XI).

On plates 13-17 of the Vatican Codex, B, Kingsborough, Vol. III, we find precisely the same arrangement as that just described, and where the numerals are so distinct that there can be no doubt in regard to any of them. The days are exactly the same--Cipactli, Coatl, Atl, Acatl, and Ollin--and in the same order, but the plates are to be taken in the reverse, order, commencing with 17, and the columns and lines are to be read thus: Commencing at the bottom at the right hand, upward to the top, and then along the line toward the left.

On Plate 58 of the Borgian Codex we find six lines of days with five in each line. Five out of these six lines are composed of the five days just named, simply varied as to the respective positions they occupy in the line, but maintaining the same order.

On Plate 17, same Codex, we see two lines corresponding with the first and second columns of the arrangement of the days heretofore given.

But without further reference to these smaller or isolated groups, we have conclusive proof of this method of arranging the days among the Mexicans, in three extended series--one found on Plates 49-56 of the Vatican Codex B; one on Plates 31-38 of the Borgian Codex, and another on Plates 1-8 of the Bologna Codex.

I give here the arrangement found in the first, which is precisely the same as that of the Borgian Codex, except that this is to be read from the left to the right, and that of the Borgian Codex from the right to the left, both commencing with the bottom line (numbered 5 in the following list):

A photo-engraved copy of one plate of the former is also given in Fig. 5, as it furnishes proof that the days and the order in which they follow each other are the same as I have given them.

For the benefit of English readers the list is given in the English equivalents of the Mexican names.[11]

TABLE XIII.

1. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. 2. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. 3. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. 4. Cane. Tiger.[12] Eagle. Vulture. Movement. 5. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake.

1. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. 2. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. 3. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. 4. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. Wind. 5. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog.

1. Rain. Flower. Dragon. Wind. House. 2. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog. Monkey. 3. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. Rain. 4. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. Deer. 5. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. Eagle.

1. Lizard. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. 2. Grass. Cane. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. 3. Flower. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. 4. Rabbit. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. 5. Vulture. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower.

1. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. 2. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. 3. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. 4. Cane. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. 5. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake.

1. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. 2. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. 3. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. 4. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. Wind. 5. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog.

1. Rain. Flower. Dragon. Wind. House. 2. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog. Monkey. 3. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. Rain. 4. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. Deer. 5. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. Eagle.

1. Lizard. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. 2. Grass. Cane. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. 3. Flower. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. 4. Rabbit. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. 5. Vulture. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower.

1. Water. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. 2. Movement. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. 3. Snake. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. 4. Cane. Tiger. Eagle. Vulture. Movement. 5. Dragon. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake.

1. Tiger.[13] Eagle. Vulture. Movement. Flint. 2. Wind. House. Lizard. Snake. Death. 3. Dog. Monkey. Grass. Cane. Tiger. 4. Flint. Rain. Flower. Dragon. Wind. 5. Death. Deer. Rabbit. Water. Dog.

1. Rain. Flower. 2. Deer. Rabbit. 3. Eagle. Vulture. 4. House. Lizard. 5. Monkey. Grass.

If we examine the columns of this list, we see that each one contains the days of some one of the four columns of the arrangement heretofore given; not always in precisely the same order, but the same days.

Without stopping to attempt a further explanation of this calendar or _Tonalamatl_, which is not within the scope of our present purpose, I merely remark that it is evidently a representation of the Mexican "cycle of two hundred and sixty days," or thirteen months, the common multiple of 4, 5, 13, and 20, and hence a cycle, at the completion of which the day, numeral, &c. (except the month), will be the same as at the beginning.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Published in 1882, as a memoir of the Société d'Ethnographie of Paris.

[2] Rosny says by mistake "Planche VII-VIII."

[3] A study of the Manuscript Troano.

[4] As the reduction of the cut prevents the insertion of the names of the days, letters have been substituted for them in the quadrilateral or inner ring as follows:

_In the top line._--Ymix, _a_; Chicchan, _b_; Muluc, _c_; Been, _d_, and Caban, _e_.

_In the left column._--Cimi, _f_; Ik, _g_; Oc, _h_; Ix, _i_, and Ezanab, _j_.

_In the bottom line._--Akbal, _k_; Manik, _l_; Chuen, _m_; Men, _n_, and Cauac, _o_.

_In the right column._--Kan, _p_; Lamat, _q_; Eb, _r_; Ahau, _s_, and Cib, _t_.

[5] Study of the Manuscript Troano, p. 11.

[6] It is worthy of note that the numerals on the plate apply only to the years 1 Cauac, 1 Kan, 1 Muluc, and 1 Ix, the first years of an Indication or week of years.

[1][TN-7] _Manuscrit dit Mexicain No. 2._--The Bureau of Ethnology has had the good fortune to obtain a copy of Duruy's photographic reproduction of this Manuscript, of which, according to Leclerc (Bibliotheca Americana), only ten copies were issued, though Brasseur in his Bibliotheque Mexico-Guatémalienne (p. 95) affirms that the edition consisted of fifty copies. The full title is as follows: "_Manuscrit dit Mexicain No. 2 de la Bibliothèque Imperiale Photographie (sans reduction). Par ordre de S. E. M. Duruy, Ministre de l'Instruction publique, President de la Commission scientifique du Mexique._ Paris, 1864."

Rosny has given a _fac-simile_ copy from the two plates here referred to in Plate XVI of his _Essai sur le Dechiffrement de l'Ecriture Hieratique_.

[8] An illustration can be seen, on pp. 36-40, Study Manuscript Troano.

[9] Study Manuscript Troano, p. 86.

[10] Possibly each serpent represents one indication of thirteen years, but the proper answer to this question is not important in the present investigation.

[11] In order to accommodate the list to the paging it is divided into sections, the second section to follow to the right of the first; the third to the right of the second, and so on to the last, as though extended continuously to the right. Those numbered 1 would then form one continuous transverse line, as would also those numbered 2,3, 4 and 5 respectively.

[12] In the original, _Deer_, certainly an error.

[13] In the original, _Deer_.

PLATE 44 OF THE FEJERVARY CODEX.

As a connecting link between the particular topic now under discussion and the consideration of the symbols of the cardinal points, I wish to refer to one plate of the Fejervary Codex, to wit, Plate 44, a _fac-simile_ of which is presented in Plate III:

A little careful inspection of this plate will suffice to convince the reader that it was gotten up upon the same plan and for the same purpose as the "Tableau des Bacab," or plate copied from the Codex Cortesianus, which is reproduced in our Plate I.

The sacred tree or cross, which is represented but once in that plate, and that in the central area, is here shown four times--once in each of the four outer spaces opposite the four sides of the inner area.

It is true we do not find here the intermediate ring (or quadrilateral), of clays, but these are not wanting, for the four groups, corresponding with those on the four sides of the quadrilateral, are here found at the four corners wedged in between the colored loops, one group of five at each corner. The chief marked resemblance is to be found in the outer looped line, in which the day characters are connected by rows of dots. But here the lines and loops, although almost precisely in the form, and relation, to each other as in the plate of the Cortesian Codex, are variously and brightly colored, and the rows of dots are inclosed by lateral lines.

Now for the proof that it is designed for the same purpose as the looped line on the other plate. But it is necessary that I present first, in a tabular form, a Mexican calendar (Table XIV) similar to the condensed Maya calendar heretofore given.

I also give, immediately following, a list of Mexican days for thirteen months, the number necessary to make the circuit of the plate, just as the list of Maya days heretofore given. In this case I have used the English equivalents of the Mexican words for the benefit of English readers.

TABLE XIV.--Condensed Mexican calendar.

____________________________________________________________________ | | | | _Numbers of the months._ | | | |______________________________________ Tochtli|Acatl |Tecpatl|Calli | | | | | | | | | | | | | years.|years.| years.|years.| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9|10|11|12|13 | | | |14|15|16|17|18| | | | | | | | -------+------+-------+------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- [ 1] | [ 6] | [11] | [16] | 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7 [ 2] | [ 7] | [12] | [17] | 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8 [ 3] | [ 8] | [13] | [18] | 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9 [ 4] | [ 9] | [14] | [19] | 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10 [ 5] | [10] | [15] | [20] | 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11 [ 6] | [11] | [16] | [ 1] | 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12 [ 7] | [12] | [17] | [ 2] | 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13 [ 8] | [13] | [18] | [ 3] | 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1 [ 9] | [14] | [19] | [ 4] | 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2 [10] | [15] | [20] | [ 5] |10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3 [11] | [16] | [ 1] | [ 6] |11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4 [12] | [17] | [ 2] | [ 7] |12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5 [13] | [18] | [ 3] | [ 8] |13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6 [14] | [19] | [ 4] | [ 9] | 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7 [15] | [20] | [ 5] | [10] | 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8 [16] | [ 1] | [ 6] | [11] | 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9 [17] | [ 2] | [ 7] | [12] | 4|11| 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10 [18] | [ 3] | [ 8] | [13] | 5|12| 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11 [19] | [ 4] | [ 9] | [14] | 6|13| 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12 [20] | [ 5] | [10] | [15] | 7| 1| 8| 2| 9| 3|10| 4|11| 5|12| 6|13 --------------------------------------------------------------------

[ 1] Cozcaquauhtli. [11] Miquiztli. [ 2] Ollin. [12] Mazatl. [ 3] Tecpatl. [13] Tochtli. [ 4] Quiahuitl. [14] Atl. [ 5] Xochitl. [15] Itzcuintli. [ 6] Cipactli. [16] Ozomatli. [ 7] Ehecatl. [17] Malinalli. [ 8] Calli. [18] Acatl. [ 9] Cuetzpalin. [19] Ocelotl. [10] Coatl. [20] Quauhtli.

This calendar begins the year _Acatl_ with Cipactli to correspond with what I believe to have been the plan on which the Fejervary plate was made; this, as will be seen, does not agree with what is generally supposed to have been the usual method. The following table of days can be used for either year, but commences as the Acatl years in the preceding calendar.

TABLE XV.--A LIST OF MEXICAN DAYS FOR THIRTEEN MONTHS.

[The dark lines indicate the points where the months end.][TN-11]

1. Dragon. 8. Dragon. 2. Dragon. 9. Dragon. 2. Wind. 9. Wind. 3. Wind. 10. Wind. 3. House. 10. House 4. House. 11. House. 4. Lizard. 11. Lizard. 5. Lizard. 12. Lizard. 5. Snake. 12. Snake. 6. Snake. 13. Snake. 6. Death. 13. Death. 7. Death 1. Death. 7. Deer. 1. Deer. 8. Deer. 2. Deer. 8. Rabbit. 2. Rabbit. 9. Rabbit. 3. Rabbit. 9. Water. 3. Water. 10. Water. 4. Water. 10. Dog. 4. Dog. 11. Dog. 5. Dog. 11. Monkey. 5. Monkey. 12. Monkey. 6. Monkey. 12. Grass. 6. Grass. 13. Grass. 7. Grass. 13. Cane. 7. Cane. 1. Cane. 8. Cane. 1. Tiger. 8. Tiger. 2. Tiger. 9. Tiger. 2. Eagle. 9. Eagle. 3. Eagle. 10. Eagle. 3. Vulture. 10. Vulture. 4. Vulture. 11. Vulture. 4. Movement. 11. Movement. 5. Movement. 12. Movement. 5. Flint. 12. Flint. 6. Flint. 13. Flint. 6. Rain. 13. Rain. 7. Rain. 1. Rain. [7. Flower.] [1. Flower.] [8. Flower.] [2. Flower.]

3. Dragon. 10. Dragon. 4. Dragon. 11. Dragon. 4. Wind. 11. Wind. 5. Wind. 12. Wind. 5. House. 12. House. 6. House. 13. House. 6. Lizard. 13. Lizard. 7. Lizard. 1. Lizard. 7. Snake. 1. Snake. 8. Snake. 2. Snake. 8. Death. 2. Death. 9. Death. 3. Death. 9. Deer. 3. Deer. 10. Deer. 4. Deer. 10. Rabbit. 4. Rabbit. 11. Rabbit. 5. Rabbit. 11. Water. 5. Water. 12. Water. 6. Water. 12. Dog. 6. Dog. 13. Dog. 7. Dog. 13. Monkey 7. Monkey 1. Monkey. 8. Monkey. 1. Grass. 8. Grass. 2. Grass. 9. Grass. 2. Cane. 9. Cane. 3. Cane. 10. Cane. 3. Tiger. 10. Tiger. 4. Tiger. 11. Tiger. 4. Eagle. 11. Eagle. 5. Eagle. 12. Eagle. 5. Vulture. 12. Vulture. 6. Vulture. 13. Vulture. 6. Movement. 13. Movement. 7. Movement. 1. Movement. 7. Flint. 1. Flint. 8. Flint. 2. Flint. 8. Rain. 2. Rain. 9. Rain. 3. Rain. [9. Flower.] [3. Flower.] [10. Flower.] [4. Flower.]

5. Dragon. 12. Dragon. 6. Dragon. 13. Dragon. 6. Wind. 13. Wind. 7. Wind. 1. Wind. 7. House. 1. House. 8. House. 2. House. 8. Lizard. 2. Lizard. 9. Lizard. 3. Lizard. 9. Snake. 3. Snake. 10. Snake. 4. Snake. 10. Death. 4. Death. 11. Death 5. Death. 11. Deer. 5. Deer. 12. Deer. 6. Deer. 12. Rabbit. 6. Rabbit. 13. Rabbit. 7. Rabbit. 13. Water. 7. Water. 1. Water. 8. Water. 1. Dog. 8. Dog. 2. Dog. 9. Dog. 2. Monkey. 9. Monkey. 3. Monkey. 10. Monkey. 3. Grass. 10. Grass. 4. Grass. 11. Grass. 4. Cane. 11. Cane. 5. Cane. 12. Cane. 5. Tiger. 12. Tiger. 6. Tiger. 13. Tiger. 6. Eagle. 13. Eagle. 7. Eagle. 1. Eagle. 7. Vulture. 1. Vulture. 8. Vulture. 2. Vulture. 8. Movement. 2. Movement. 9. Movement. 3. Movement. 9. Flint. 3. Flint. 10. Flint. 4. Flint. 10. Rain. 4. Rain. 11. Rain. 5. Rain. [11. Flower.] [5. Flower.] [12. Flower.] [6. Flower.]