rincipal deity, differing in this regard from
Mexico, where all honor was paid to the god of war. We are not given any
explanation of the Temple of the Three Tablets, but the other temples
have to do with the worship of this benign deity. The beautiful
stucco-work in the Temple of the Beau-relief, Mr. Holden thinks, also
represents him. At the Temples of the Cross, if we be right as to the
meaning of the central figure, the priests of the god of war and the god
of rain do honor to him.<35>

Mr. Bandelier makes a statement in regard to the cross which, if it
be accepted, clears away a number of theories. He remarks: "The cross,
though frequently used previously to the conquest by the Aborigines of
Mexico and Central America as an ornament, was not at all an object
of worship among them. Besides, there is a vast difference between
the cross and the crucifix. What has been taken for the latter on
sculptures, like the 'Palenque tablet,' is merely the symbol of the
'Newfire,' or close of a period of fifty-two years. It is the fire drill
more or less ornamented." According to this view, these interesting
tablets have reference to the ceremonies observed by the Mayas at the
expiration of a cycle.<36>

It now only remains to describe some miscellaneous relics obtained from
Palenque. But few specimens of pottery have been found. One of the early
explorers speaks of finding an earthen vessel about a foot in diameter.
Waldeck made an exploration in a portion of the palace area, and found a
gallery containing hewn blocks of stone and earthen cups and vases, with
many little earthen balls of different colors. He also speaks of a fine
specimen of terra-cotta.<37>

The only statues known were found near the Temple of the Cross. There
were two of them, and they supported a platform before the central
doorway. One was broken to pieces; the other is here represented. Many
writers point out resemblances between this figure and some Egyptian
statues.

Illustration of Statue, Palenque. (Smith. Inst.)------

In the village of Palenque, built in the wall of a church,<38> are two
stone tablets which once stood on each side of the doorway of the altar
containing the tablet of the cross.<39> Mr. Stephens was under the
impression that they were originally placed on the altar of the tablet
of the sun, and they are so represented in the cut (Illustration of
Altar in the Temple of the Sun.) earlier. This plate represents the
left-hand figu