legs of the
pointers just mentioned, there are found to be two hundred and sixty of
these days; they, therefore, refer to the days of the moon reckoning.
We notice four smaller pointers not quite so elaborate as those already
referred to, resting in this circle. They probably refer to smaller
divisions of the days. The next circle contains a row of glyphs not
unlike kernels of corn. One hundred and five are represented on this
circle; they refer to the days of the sun reckoning.
Illustration of Sign of Rain.-----------------
Resting on this circle of days are small towers; they, like the smaller
pointers, refer to divisions of the day. Adjoining each of these little
towers is a figure; this cut represents one of them. We notice they form
a circle extending clear around the stone. The meaning of this circle
is gathered from other painted records. It represents a rain storm; four
drops are seen falling to the ground. The ground is cultivated, as shown
by the three ridges; a grain of corn is represented lying on the ground.
This band on the stone is in honor of the rain-god.
Illustration of Sign of Cycle.---------------
There remains only to explain the outer row or band. At the bottom is
a rude representation of two heads with helmets. The meaning of these
figures is unknown. From each of these figures extend in a semicircle a
row of figures of this shape, ending with pointers at the top, between
which is a year-date. Near the points on each side is what might be
described as four bundles tied together. Each of the small figures just
described is the representation of a cycle of fifty-two years.
The date on the top is the year date, Thirteen Acatl. This is an easily
determinable date. From Mexican paintings, we know the conquest of
Mexico occurred in the year Three Calli. From this tracing their years
back by the table given earlier (Arrangement of Years in a Mexican
Cycle), we would find that the first Thirteen Acatl we meet was in the
year 1479. This is exactly the date when, according to tradition,
the great temple was finished, and this stone dedicated by bloody
sacrifices. If we count the number of signs for cycles, we find that
there are just twelve on each side, twenty-four in all. As the artist
could easily have made this number more or less, the probabilities are
that it means something. The most plausible explanation is, that in the
year 1479, they had traditions of twenty-four cycles. But this
|