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WOPPOU ICED HCN Th ni LS WORE OR ot IG CN Sy a COO We At Aa TOMY 8) Oa 5 cA Dn) CaN SARL) MNES | DOO a er) aN We m ACW LENNIE RX) Onna CRS ‘4 . aie ROLES OT CIS CRC) Dn ww SEAN OC OA i) \ A a eat Cary vo DOOM COLOR SARIN ROR CN: t c Nat nah KAM ie ‘ Hehe te Lhe x me) a vinta Fah atta ae hh PMR oY . a) SOR K nND PE Onan oh My RoC Dont ot Ph ene ryt COUR Ie OR Te Ct Ie a + cata hed fe RaeeneaN Reet EEN ots pet nN oe wa eae Oe kl eee oe tas oS as EERE EAN ace E A NAN 5 Sheree eee Rae kt) <7 oe . : Aa a . COLA ICR a he get A Carats a ris 5 eee) : “i Paro FSIS Bos Fala rin a te eat “s Sn eeaert ota tr br ork he WS ahh a BROS TN Renate enchant comer ate CCN Boa of mavtapa SSaakaneecnseeye eS DR RSA an Ri ane aos ae pi ee ree ROC o est i Down eek Pao me ot wa a ECE OnCE) p Pee nan ranean er ; Sn r) ek |} if ae > , wii full ie : ss ho, fod ' ) . \ 4 ; j ; J Rib i hers an * i : ¥ S ; 7 i ‘ sl = =f Por sO NT AN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE. V OU. XXL. EVERY MAN 1S A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY, WHO, BY HIS OBSERVATIONS, RESEAAZOHES, AND EXPERIMENTS, PROCURES KNOWLEDGE FOR MEN.—SMITHSON. CITY OF WAKHINGTON: PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. MDCCCLX XX. PHILADELPHIA: 5 : Lins COLLINS, PRINTER, 705 JAYNE STREET. ADVERTISEMENT. Tuts volume forms the twenty-second of a series, composed of original memoirs on different branches of knowledge, published at the expense, and under the direction, of the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of this series forms part of a general plan adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent intentions of Jamrs Swrruson, Esq., of England. This gentleman left his property in trust to the United States of America, to found, at Washington, an institution which should bear his own name, and have for its objects the “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” This trust was accepted by the Government of the United States, and an Act of Congress was passed August 10, 1846, constituting the President and the other principal executive officers of the general government, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of Washington,'and such other persons as they might elect honorary members, an establishment under the name of the “Smirusonran INSTITUTION FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG MEN.” The members and honorary members of this establishment are to hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of the affairs of the Institution, and for the advice and instruction of a Board of Regents, to whom the financial and other affairs are intrusted. The Board of Regents consists of two members ew officio of the establishment, namely, the Vice-President of the United States and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, together with twelve other members, three of whom are appointed by the Senate from its own body, three by the House of Representatives from its members, and six persons appointed by a joint resolution of both houses. To this Board is given the power of electing a Secretary and other officers, for conducting the active operations of the Institution. To carry into effect the purposes of the testator, the plan of organization should evidently embrace two objects: one, the increase of knowledge by the addition of new truths to the existing stock; the other, the diffusion of knowledge, thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of any kind of knowledge ; and, hence, each branch is entitled to, and should receive, a share of attention. 1 This office has been abolished. ADVERTISEMENT. The Act of Congress, establishing the Institution, directs, as a part of the anization, the formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery of Art, 1 with provisions for physical research and popular lectures, while it leaves | the power of adopting such other parts of an organization as ae org Regents deem best suited e Bree the objects of the Pee applied in accordance with the requirements of the Act of Congress, to the formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery of Art. The following are the details of the parts of the general plan of orga provisionally adopted at the meeting of the Regents, Dec. 8, 1847. DETAILS OF THE FIRST PART OF THE VERE I. To increase KNow LepGE.—Ii is proposed to stimulate research, by offer rewards for original memoirs on all subjects of investigation. 1. The memoirs thus obtained, to be published in a series of volumes, in a ¢ ui form, and entitled “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.” a 2. No memoir, on subjects of physical science, to be accepted for public ; which does not furnish a positive addition to human knowledge, resting on ori research; and all unverified speculations to be rejected. 3. Each memoir presented to the as to be submitted for examin: commission is ane 4. The commission to be chosen by the officers of the Institution, and th of the author, as far as practicable, concealed, unless a favorable decision b 5. The volumes of the memoirs to be exchanged for the Transactions of lit and scientific societies, and copies to be given to all the colleges, and pr libraries, in this country. One part of the remaining copies may be offe: sale; and the other carefully preserved, to form complete sets of the w supply the demand from new institutions. 6. An abstract, or popular account, of the contents of these memoirs to b to the public, through the annual report of the Regents to Congress. ADVERTISEMENT. — V Il. To 1ncrEASE KnowLepGe.—It is also proposed to appropriate a portion of the income, annually, to special objects of research, under the direction of suitable persons. 1. The objects, and the amount appropriated, to be recommended by counsellors of the Institution. 2. Appropriations in different years to different objects; so that, in course of time, each branch of knowledge may receive a share. 3. The results obtained from these appropriations to be published, with the memoirs before mentioned, in the volumes of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. 4. Examples of objects for which appropriations may be made :— (1.) System of extended meteorological observations for solving the problem of American storms. (2.) Explorations in descriptive natural history, and geological, mathematical, and topographical surveys, to collect material for the formation of a Physical Atlas of the United States. (3.) Solution of experimental problems, such as a new determination of the weight of the earth, of the velocity of electricity, and of light; chemical analyses of soils and plants; collection and publication of articles of science, accumulated in the offices of Government. (4.) Institution of statistical inquiries with reference to physical, moral, and political subjects. (5.) Historical researches, and accurate surveys of places celebrated in American history. (G.) Ethnological researches, particularly with reference to the different races of men in North America; also explorations, and accurate surveys, of the mounds and other remains of the ancient people of our country. I. To pirrusr KnowiengE.—JZt is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge not strictly professional. 1. Some of these reports may be published annually, others at longer intervals, as the income of the Institution or the changes in the branches of knowledge may indicate. 2. The reports are to be prepared by collaborators, eminent in the different branches of knowledge. vi ADVERTISEMENT. 3. Each collaborator to be furnished with the journals and publicati and foreign, necessary to the compilation of his report; to be paid a cert his labors, and to be named on the title-page of the report. particular branch, can procure the parts relating to it, without pu whole. remaining copies to be given to literary and scientific institutions, and s viduals for a moderate price. The following are some of the subjects which may be embraced in the rep i I. PHYSICAL CLASS. . Physics, including astronomy, natural philosophy, chemistry, and 1 . Natural history, including botany, zoology, geology, &c . Agriculture. Rm oo bo Ee . Application of science to arts. II. MORAL AND POLITICAL CLASS. . Ethnology, including particular history, comparative philology, antic . Statistics and political economy. . Mental and moral philosophy. . A survey of the political events of the world; penal reform, &e.. = : cont oS OK IN. LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS. 9. Modern literature. 10. The fine arts, and their application to the useful arts. 11. Bibliography. 12. Obituary notices of distinguished individuals. Il. To pruse Knowieper.—ii is proposed to publish occasionally separate on subjects of general interest. 1. These treatises may occasionally consist of valuable memoirs tra foreign languages, or of articles prepared under the direction of the Insti procured by offering premiums for the best exposition of a given subj i 2. The treatises to be submitted to a commission cf competent judges, to their publication, | ADVERTISEMENT. vil DETAILS OF THE SECOND PART OF THE PLAN OF ORGANIZATION. This part contemplates the formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery of Art. 1. To carry out the plan before described, a library will be required, consisting, Ist, of a complete collection of the transactions and proceedings of all the learned societies of the world; 2d, of the more important current periodical publications, and other works necessary in preparing the periodical reports. 2. The Institution should make special collections, particularly of objects to verify its own publications. Also a collection of instruments of research in all branches of experimental science. 3. With reference to the collection of books, other than those mentioned above, catalogues of all the different libraries in the United States should be procured, in order that the valuable books first purchased may be such as are not to be found elsewhere in the United States. 4. Also catalogues of memoirs, and of books in foreign libraries, and other materials, should be collected, for rendering the Institution a centre of bibliogra- phical knowledge, whence the student may be directed to any work which he may require. 5. It is believed that the collections in natural history will increase by donation, as rapidly as the income of the Institution can make provision for their reception ; and, therefore, it will seldom be necessary to purchase any article of this kind. 6. Attempts should be made to procure for the gallery of art, casts of the most celebrated articles of ancient and modern sculpture. 7. The arts may be encouraged by providing a room, free of expense, for the exhibition of the objects of the Art-Union, and other similar societies. 8. A small appropriation should annually be made for models of antiquity, such as those of the remains of ancient temples, &c. 9. The Secretary and his assistants, during the session of Congress, will be required to illustrate new discoveries in science, and to exhibit new objects of art; distinguished individuals should also be invited to give lectures on subjects of general interest. : In accordance with the rules adopted in the programme of organization, each memoir in this volume has been favorably reported on by a Commission appointed ae qT, aa ADVERTISEMEN for its examination. It is however impossible, in most cases, to veri ments of an author; and, therefore, neither the Commission nor the In be responsible for more than the general character of a memoir. The following rules have been adopted for the distribution of the quarto of the Smithsonian Contributions :— i: 1. They are to be presented to all learned societies which publish Tra and give copies of these, in exchange, to the Institution. 2. Also, to all foreign libraries of the first class, provided they give in their catalogues or other publications, or an equivalent from their duplicat 3. To all the colleges in actual eee in this country, provided they f and history. 4. To all States and Territories, provided there be given, in return, cop documents published under their authority. ‘ 5. To all incorporated public libraries in this country, not included - i the foregoing classes, now containing more than 10,000 volumes; and t libraries, where a whole State or large district would be otherwise unsup] OFFICERS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, Ex-officio PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE INSTITUTION. MORRISON R. WAITE, CHANCELLOR OF THE INSTITUTION. SPENCER F. BAIRD, SECRETARY OF THE INSTITUTION. WILLIAM J. RHEES, CHIEF CLERK, DANIEL LEECH, CORRESPONDING CLERK, CLARENCE B. YOUNG, BOOKKEEPER. PETER PARKER, JOHN MACLEAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, B Morrison R. Waite, Wiiram A. WHEELER, HANNIBAL HAMLIN, . ‘R. B; WitHERS,.. . Newton Bootn, . Hester CLYMER, . . JoserH E. Jounston, James A, GARFIELD, . JouN MACLEAN, Prrer PARKER, Wituram T. SHERMAN, PASIAN GACY, es ae Henry Corrie, Noau Porter, . REGENTS. Chief Justice of the United Sta Member of the Senate of the ( “eg oe oe 6é ee 6e ae “cc 66 sé ee 6s ee “ce se oe Citizen of New Jersey. “of Washington. se : 66 * of Massachusetts. “of Pennsylvania, ‘of Connecticut. MEMBERS RutuerrorD B. HAyEs, . Wituram A. WHEELER, . Morrison R, WAITE, Wituram M. Evarts, JOHN SHERMAN, G. W. McCrary, . Ricoarp W. THOMPSON, Car. ScHURZ, Davi M. Key, . CHARLES DEVENS, HEE PAINE, EX-OFFICIO OF THE INSTITUTION. . . President of the United States. Vice-President of the United States. Chief Justice of the United States, Secretary of State. Secretary of the Treasury. Secretary of War. Secretary of the Navy. Secretary of the Interior. Postmaster- General. Attorney-General, Commissioner of Patents. ARTICLE I. ADE rOF CONTENTS InTRopDUCTION. Pp. 16. Advertisement List of Officers of the Ginithsonian Tnstitntion ARTICLE IT. (259.) Expiorarions oF THE ABORIGINAL REMAINS OF TENNESSEE. By ARTICLE III. Joseph Jones, M.D. Published October, 1876. 4to. pp. 181. Ninety- five wood-cuts. CHAPTER I. Burial Caves CuHartrer II. Modes of Burial mera by te: iene: of erences Stone Graves 3 CuarrerR III. Mounds, Fortifications, ad ents orks . Stone-grave Burial Mounds Sacrificial and Burial Mounds CuapreR IV. Earthworks on the Big Harpeth River . CuarterR V. Earthworks on West Harpeth and Big Harpeth Rivers i Earthworks at Old-Town : CuapreR VI. The Stone Fort and other Aboriginal Femeine Aboriginal Remains in Maury County CuHaptEerR VII. Relics from the Mounds and Stone Graves Stone and Clay Images Shell, Pearl, and Copper rnd Aboriginal Rock-paintings Pipes Weapons Coins : Implements of Stone employed for Mechanical purposes . Stone and Earthenware Vessels CuHapter VIII. General Conclusions (269.) Tae Scunprures or Santa Lucia CosuMALWHUAPA IN GUAT- EMALA. WITH AN ACCOUNT OF TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND ON THE WEsTERN Coast or SourH America. By S. Hapet, M.D. Pub- lished February, 1878. 4to. pp. 94. Eight plates of twenty-five figures. First Excursion from the City of Guatemala Second Excursion from the City of Guatemala Third Excursion from the City of Guatemala Fourth Excursion from the City of Guatemala First Excursion from San Salvador . Second Excursion from San Salvador Third Excursion from San Salvador Explorations in San Salvador ; Explorations on the West Coast of South enenica The Sculptured Stones at Santa Lucia Cosumalwhuapa Reflections on the Sculptures 1 Rach memoir is separately paged and indexed. PAGE ii ix 36 37 41 56 79 82 100 107 128 128 136 137 138 139 140 141 144 146 10 14 16 17 22 aa 26 2 v 39 xiv UNITED STATES N fF E IV. (287.) THE ARCHMOLOGICAL COLLECTION OF THE “enn : Cae IN CHARGE OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WAS D.C. By Cuartes Rav. Published August, 1876. 4to. Three hundred and forty wood-cuts. Introduction Stone lr 2 a. 14. B. Pecked, Ground and Polished Stone iL — — eee ao oF & PD A. Flaked and Chipped Stone . . Leaf-shaped Implements . Large flat Implements of silicious meee medal 0 . Large flat Implements, mostly of oval outline, but tr . Adzes om Bo . Hammers . Drilled Ceremonial Woeaponel ov nae . Pendants and Sinkers 6 - Discoidal Stones and Implements of nared Shape . . Pierced Tablets and Boat-shaped Articles . Stones used in Grinding and Polishing . Vessels : ; . Mortars . Pestles . Tubes 18. 19. 20. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Raw Material Irregular Flakes of Flint, Obsidian eo produced by. is blow peered Pieces of Flint, Quarz Obsidian i. am Gene fla either representing rude tools, or designed to be into more regular forms—Unfinished Arrow and heads Arrow-heads . Spear-heads . Perforators Scrapers Cutting and Sawing Tmplenante Dagger-shaped Implements shape, and sharp around the circumference (Digging and laterally notched at the eud opposite the working (Digging Tools) Wedge or Celt-shaped implement Wedges or Celts Chisels Gouges Grooved Axes Cutting Tools ; Scraper and Spade-like Tmplen nea Pipes Ornaments Sculptures Copper Bone and Horn Shells Clay . Wood Supplement Appendix I. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The npsteiiel Modes af Hafting Stone and Bone innlements Appendix IT. System adopted in ete the Saieatey Gotlection miniative of North American Ethnology I. Man, Objects relating to II. Culture, Objects relating to Index ARTICLE V. (331.) THE PALENQUE TABLET IN THE UNITED States NationaL Museum, Wasuinaton, D.C. By Cuaries Rav. Published November, 1879. 4to. pp. 91. CHarTer§ I. Cuaprer II. Cuapter III. Cuarrer IV. CHAPTER V. Two plates, thirty-nine wood-cuts. History of the Palenque Tablet Explorations of Palenque The Temple of the Cross The Group of the Cross . Aboriginal Writings in Mexico, Wiaeatar ard Central Ame- rica APPENDIX: Notes on the Ruins of Y acuta and Gentral AGnetee : ARTICLE VI. (318.) On tHE Remarns or LATER Pre-wistoric MAN OBTAINED FROM — CAVES IN THE CATHERINA ARCHIPELAGO, ALASKA TERRITORY, AND ESPECIALLY FROM THE CAVES OF THE ALEUTIAN IsnAnps. By W. H. Dau. Published January, 1876. 4to. pp. 44. Ten plates. XV PAGE A 59 63 66 73 88 90 93 93 97 97 97 97 103 15 3l 47 SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE. 259 EXPLORATIONS OF THE ABORIGINAL REMAINS OF TENNESSEE. BY JOSEPH JONES, M.D., PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY AND CLINICAL MEDICINE IN THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS. <-e> ——___- WASS HL ENG WON Crlr Ye PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. (OCTOBER, 1876.] i ADVERTISEMENT. Tus memoir gives the results of a very extended investigation of the remains of the ancient inhabitants of ‘Tennessee, by Joseph Jones, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and Clinical Medicine in the Medical Department of the University of Louisiana, at New Orleans. ; An appropriation was made by the Institution to assist Dr. Jones in his explora- tion of these remains, and to the work he has devoted much time and_ labor. The memoir was submitted to Dr. Otis, of the Medical Department U.S. Army, and to Professor O. T. Mason, of Columbian University, and on their approval has been accepted for publication. JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary Smithsonian Institution. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Wasuineron, D. C., October, 1876. (iii ) PREFACE. Tue following explorations among the Mounds, Earthworks, and Stone-graves of the Aborigines of ‘Tennessee, were commenced in the early part of 1868, and were continued to the close of 1869. The inductive method was followed in the entire investigation, and in present- ing an outline of the explorations the effort has been made to accomplish two results: — Ist. The accurate description of the aboriginal remains. 2d. The collection and classification of such facts as bore on their obscure histery. With the limited means at the command of the author, and with numerous pressing professional duties and cares, he was unable to carry forward the explo- rations on the scale which their importance demanded; but it is hoped that these imperfect labors may prove of some service to future explorers in this interesting field. The thanks of the author are due to Mr. R. M. Ewing, Dr. Freeman, Mr. Parish, and General De Graffenreid, of Franklin, Mr. Brown, of Old Town, Colonel Over- ton, of Natchez, and to his intelligent and kind friends, Dr. John Watson Morton, of Nashville, and Dr. John H. Morton, of Union City, Tennessee, for valuable aid during the explorations of the stone-graves and mounds, af Miia, iis ea LAT " - CHAPTER IJ, THe Il. TeV ES VA Wi: VIII. CORRS. Burial caves : : j rs Modes of burial practised by the aborigines of America Stone graves Mounds, fortifications, and earthworks Stone-grave burial mounds . Sacrificial and burial mounds : : . : . Earthworks on the Big Harpeth River . Earthworks on West Harpeth and Big Harpeth Rivers . Earthworks at Old-Town The Stone Fort and other aboriginal remains Aboriginal remains in Maury County Relics from the mounds and stone-graves Stone and clay images Shell, pearl, and copper ornaments Aboriginal rock-paintings Pipes Weapons Coins Implements of stone employed for mechanical purposes Stone and earthenware vessels General conclusions a A . ‘ : ; ( vii ) PAGE -T -T 36 37 41 56 79 82 100 107 128 128 136 137 138 159 140 141 144 Se Oe, ae eo | : 1 OL: » - \ > i = fe 3) - dhe a ! * in v1) “ : Me F i x B — = — a - \ = Se ‘ ro A d a a . é — SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE, - 269 _ THE SCULPTURES OF SANTA LUCIA COSUMALWHUAPA GUATEMALA. WITH AN ACCOUNT OF TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND ON THE WESTERN COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA. BY S. HABEL, M.D. WASHINGTON CITY, D.C:: PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 1878. COMMISSION TO WHOM THIS PAPER WAS REFERRED. W. D. Wairtney, LL.D. J. H. Trumputt, LL.D. COLLINS, PRINTER, PHILADELPATIA, ADVERTISEMENT. In 1862, Dr. Habel, in obedience to a long-felt desire, relinquished his medical practice, in order to make, at his own expense, a tour of exploration through Central America, and the Northwestern States of South America. In the course of the seven years devoted to these investigations he made collections in natural history, and observations in meteorology, topography, geology, and archeology. The following memoir contains a brief account of Dr. Habel’s ethnological and archeological researches, and a minute description of a group of sculptures dis- covered by him at Santa Lucia Cosumalwhuapa, in Guatemala, a small town in the department of Escuintla, near the base of the Volcan del Fuego, at the com- mencement of the slope which extends from the mountain range to the Pacific coast. The variety of ornamentation, the skill in execution, and the grade of refinement exhibited in the designs upon these bas-reliefs, as well as the almost total absence of sculptures hitherto reported on the southern side of the Sierras, induced the Smithsonian Institution to include Dr, Habel’s paper among its Con- tributions to Knowledge. | 'The slabs were afterwards visited by Dr. Bastian, who purchased them for the Berlin Museum. J The author was invited to visit Washington, where a room was provided for him at the Institation, and the drawings of these sculptures were reproduced by an artist, under his personal supervision and constant instruction. The expense of the preparation of the manuscript and illustrations, as well as of the publication, has been bome by the Smithsonian Institution. The publication of the work was recommended by several of the leading archeologists of the country, and in a report in regard to it Prof. W. D. Whitney remarks, “It seems to me a story refreshing by its brevity and simplicity, very unlike the pompous and boastful way in which such things are often heralded. One may not agree with all the inferences drawn at the end, but that is a matter of very small importance; no two persons would arrive at precisely the same conclusions. So far as I can judge, the Institution has every reason to take pleasure and pride in the issue of such a contribution to American archeology.” The Institution is under obligations to Prof. Otis T. Mason for a critical revision of the manuscript and the correction of the proof-sheets of this work. JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary Smithsonian Institution. ( iii ) Wasaineton, D. C., February, 1878. — Vee ee __——e. mY Ue ee eae eames en wee 1% vr ibe iia i |) aa ah) dt a iuntes i ea », oS i se 7M Le ; A hey ae 2's ok . A 7 iale a ly 7 — : * a aa o 7 i ¥ sh Se w INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Unper the patronage of the Smithsonian Institution, I am enabled to publish, in the present paper, the archeological and ethnological portion of my investiga- tions prosecuted in Central and South America, and occupying a period of over seven years. While these travels afforded me the opportunity of witnessing nature in her simple grandeur, they were also connected with hardships, not only those arising from the character of the regions traversed, but others experienced from my fellow-men. The most interesting portion of this description is that relating to the sculptures discovered at Santa Lucia Cosumalhuapa, indicating the former existence, upon the southern side of the mountains, of a people who had obtained a high degree of culture in arts and religion, as is evidenced by the designs upon their bas-reliefs. At the request of the Institution I have added a brief sketch of the regions tra- versed, in so far as they will throw any light upon the archeological and ethnolo- gical facts narrated, In judging of the merit of my work, the reader must not censure me for what I have left undone, my shortcomings being painfully apparent to myself, but must form his opinion from that which is here set before him. I have endeavored to spell the aboriginal words as they are pronounced. For this purpose I have used the German orthography for such sounds as have no alphabetic character in Spanish, as for example the sound of w, or the English sh. Whenever I use German spelling, it is specially indicated; in other cases words are given as spelled in Spanish, (1) 1 March, 1878. * ont Galle sam tet a sot) Dae (1a) biesa ee “9 a al ® a WG it Joe ive ARCHAOLOGICAL AND ETHNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS. I tert New York April, 1862, for Aspinwall (Colombia), and remained ten months on the Isthmus, devoting myself to meteorological and other physical ob- servations, and in collecting specimens, From Panama I went to the city of Guatemala by way of San José. I made this my headquarters, from which I started on four excursions to traverse the country in various directions. FIRST EXCURSION FROM THE CITY OF GUATEMALA. Tue first excyrsion I made was directed to that unexplored region lying north of the Province of Vera Paz which was. reported to be inhabited by the Lacan- dones, a trihe that has never been subdued by Europeans. There prevails a general belief, mentioned in Stephen’s ‘“ Incidents of Travels in Central America,” of the existence of a large city still inhabited by the aborigines. My plan was, on reach- ing Salinas, the furthest settlement in the Province of Vera Paz, to sail down the river Chixoy to the land of the Lacandones, and thence, entering the river Usuma- sinta, to proceed to the “laguna de los Terminos,” a part of Campeche Bay. I took the road through Rabinal, in the neighborhood of which are the remains of two cities. Although one of them is but three miles distant from the town, I preferred visiting the other, which was described to me as the more interesting ruins. It lies in a northeasterly direction, nine miles from the town, and occupies the summit of three hills. The hill I visited is covered with many ruins of edifices, some of them tolerably preserved. I made a drawing of the most conspicuous one: its base is 100 feet long and 30 broad, its floor is elevated four steps above the ground, and the standing walls above this are about six feet high. It seems to have had ten entrances, four of which were in front, four in the rear, and one at either end. The interior space was 18 feet broad and nearly 90 feet long. All the buildings were of a quadrangular form, and constructed of thin slabs of mica-gneiss, lying in courses like bricks, and united by mortar made of lime and sand, the lime not forming a homogeneous mass, but being granular, some of the granules being larger thana pea. The walls had been plastered on the inside and outside, ‘There was a quadrangular subterraneous space inclosed by walls, the use of which I do not venture to suggest. On the side of the hill were many arrow-heads of obsidian, and such other objects of the same material as might have served for spear-points or as knife-blades. Most of them were broken, but many were still perfect. Be- sides these implements of obsidian, two stones were found for crushing maize, of which to make tortillas. Qne of these stones was well preserved, and of finer (3) 4 ARCHHZ OLOGICAL AND ETHNOLOGICAL workmanship than those now used there. ‘They also differed from the present ones in being curved longitudinally, while the latter are flat. There were likewise many fragments of pottery, which, however, did not seem to consist of burnt clay, but of a kind of burnt stone-earth, as the surface of the fracture was of a dark color, containing a great deal of mica. I have noticed in other places such fragments of ancient pottery, made of a similar material, containing mica. On the slope of the hill at various places were the remains of a wall, the use of which could not be explained, unless it was to fortify the site. The hill con. sists of a kind of granite composed of quartz, felspar, and augite replacing the mica. ‘The soil of the hill is entirely barren, and there is no spring of water; but traces of streams running down in the wet season are visible. ‘The nearest brook is at quite a distance. In Rabinal, I observed the primitive mode of barter. No smaller coin than a cuartillo—that is, a quarter of a real—3} cents, being in use, various articles are employed for the subdivision of the cuartillo, namely a quinto, or the fifth part of a cuartillo. Five Cacao beans are most commonly offered for a qwinto, and always accepted. For the cacao, as many red peppers (aji), or a few leeks, some salt, or a piece of soap, may be substituted. Such barter is carried on in almost all country places, where the products are cheaper, and even in the cities, but in these to a less extent, on account of the higher price of articles and consequently less need for a smaller coin than a euartillo. Leaving Rabinal, I went first to the city of Salama, the capital of the depart- ment of Baja (lower) Vera Paz. I was told that there and in the neighborhood a kind of Mexican language is spoken; but it was impossible for me to get a vocab- ulary of it. I then passed the village of Taltic, which is, as I am informed, remarkable in this respect, that the language of its inhabitants is only spoken there and in four neighboring villages. T proceeded next to the village of Santa Cruz, where I stopped for the night. There the municipality had less trouble in deciphering the letter of recommendation from the Corregidor of the Province, on account of the presence of the Secretary; while in Taltic, in the absence of that functionary, and none of the members of the Common Council being able to read, the Cura had to be sent for to read the letter. ‘The Secretary, who is likewise the schoolmaster, was very courteous, and treated me well, his hospitality even extending to a bowl of milk—a great luxury in most parts of Central America. The salary for his double functions amounts to six dollars a month, exactly the wages which a common laborer gets, with the differ- ence that the laborer is fed, while the secretary and schoolmaster has to board himself. It is true, the qualifications of a village schoolmaster in Guatemala are not very extensive, nor his duties very arduous, no books being used. His fune- tion consists in hearing the few children who frequent the school, and whose number in some villages does not surpass a dozen, read and repeat, parrot-like, the procla- mations which the municipality receives from the government. A similarly kind treatment I experienced from nearly all the village schoolmasters in Guatemala with whom I came in contact. On the roads of the Province of Vera Paz, and on some roads in the other Ree INVESTIGATIONS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA. 5 publics of Central America, are erected, every few miles, ranchos for the accommoda- tion of travellers. ‘hey consist of a roof supported by six posts set in the ground. The northern part of this Province, called Alta Vera Paz, forming the limits of the State, and bordering on that free territory supposed to be inhabited by the Lacan- dones and other yet unconquered tribes, is very thinly populated. The dead in that section are buried within rectangular buildings in the shape of chapels, which are called Eremitas. At one end of the interior stands an altar, that is, a rough table covered with some cotton cloth. On this is placed the wooden figure of a saint or a cross, with other smaller crosses of different sizes at each side. All these are draped in various kinds of white or colored cotton, and adorned with flowers, which, however, are most of the time withered. Along the sides of the structure are planks resting on stones, forming benches about two feet high. Strangely enough, according to our notions, these Hremitas are used by travellers, as they frequently were by myself, as resting places, and especially to sleep in at night, as the tight walls offer a good protection against storms. The bench along the wall is also used as a bed. ‘These semi-civilized people sieep without any scruple in the place where the dead are buried, while among civilized nations few persons would be found willing to pass a night in a graveyard, Coming to the river Chita, I encountered the first aboriginal suspension-bridge. It was constructed of the stems of creeping plants, with three small trunks of trees to walk on. ‘These trees are fastened together by slender creepers, and suspended by ropes of thicker ones, on either side, twisted from strong vines, and fastened to trees on each bank of the river. ‘The bridge vibrates so much that but one person can pass over it at a time. On reaching Salinas, which takes its name from strong saline springs there, the water of which is boiled to make salt, I did not find a boat to convey me on my expedition, nor men to accompany me, as was promised in Guatemala. I waited in vain a month for the arrival of some Lacandones, who are said to send every year one or two boats to obtain salt. My intention was, in case they should come, to go with them, but the story, as usual, proved to be false, and I was obliged to give up the expedition, at least for that time. My visit to the Salinas was not without some good results. I became acquainted with a country and its inhabitants which had not been visited before. The municipality of Coban claims these salt springs, which are leased. The lessee informed me that by using only a small proportion of the water, he makes 2500 pounds of salt daily, while if all the water were utilized, he could make 100,000 pounds, At the commencement of making salt there the rent amounted to eighty dollars a year; subsequently it was raised to a thousand dollars; and at the time of my visit the lessee had a four years’ lease at five hundred dollars a year. By the terms of the lease, he has the privilege of taking from the settlements in the vicinity, by force, as many laborers as are needed. These laborers are compelled to work in the Salinas for one month; but as the country is thinly peopled, each laborer has to return after three or four months’ rest. The wages of a common laborer are fourteen reals, $1.75, and of the men at the pan twenty reals, $2.50 per month. Both kinds of laborers receive in addition two meals daily, each meal 6 ARCH HZOLOGICAL AND ETHNOLOGICAL consisting of five tortillas, and some beans cooked in water. All the employés have to work every day, without any exception, from early morning till 9 o’clock at night. ‘This incessant toil, without any remission, to which is jomed the purely vegetable diet, causes the greater number of the men to get sick. They become affected with dropsy in the legs and often in the whole bedy. During my stay, my gun supplied at times the table of the officials—four in number—at which I had a place—with fresh meat, which was very scarce in Salinas, In that way we got two Mexican turkeys (cuwrasoes), a macaw, a monkey, and I shot once a serpent six feet six inches long, the meat of which was quite appre- ciated, being not inferior to that of a fowl. ‘The most delicious vegetable eaten in this region is the baked tender sprouts of two species of palm, called Paterna. It surpasses in delicacy and tenderness any vegetable known to me, ‘There was also a species of grayish fungus growing on decayed wood, more tender than mushroom, and of a finer taste. The ordinary food of all the inhabitants of the Republic of Guatemala without any distinction, and of most of the Central American States, consists of boiled beans and tortillas. These two kinds of food are the almost exclusive nourishment of the country people and the laboring class ; to which exceptionally is added some desic- cated meat, a piece of cheese, or a fried egg. ‘The preparation of the beans is different with the different classes; the poorer. classes simply boil them in water without any addition-to it, not even salt, while the wealthier season them with salt and lard; thus prepared, they form the principal dish of every repast. The preparation of the ¢ortillas is rather a complicated process. Shelled maize is boiled in water to which is added some lime, either slaked or unslaked, with wood ashes. ‘The lime is added to whiten the maize, the wood ashes to make the separation of the hull from the grain easy. After the maize is sufficiently boiled, it is taken to the brook and washed repeatedly, to free it from the hulls as well as from the lime and ashes. ‘Thus cleaned, a certain quantity of it is put on the stone made for that purpose, and crushed. This is done by a woman in a kneeling pos- ture. ‘The term crushing expresses better the operation of reducing the soft kernels of maize than “grinding.” is heated over a wood fire; in this a certain quantity of the crushed maize formed into paste, and flattened with the palms of the hands, is put to bake. Both these operations, crushing and baking, are performed by the same person simultaneously ; the baked tortillas are either placed in a part of the pan least exposed to the fire, or wrapped in a cloth and put in a basket, or huacal, to keep them warm, for they are only eaten warm, and if more are made than are consumed at once, they are warmed again before eating. ‘This however is done only in travelling; otherwise they are prepared fresh before each of the two daily meals: no salt or other seasoning is commonly added to the tortillas, This is a circumstance of high physiological interest, proving the error of the general belief, in which most physiologists participate, that salt is a condiment of food necessary to sustain good health, On festival occasions a kind of food, called tamal, is prepared, which consists of a piece of meat (generally pork), put in the middle of a quantity of paste, the While the woman is crushing the kernels, a flat pan INVESTIGATIONS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA. 7 same as that from which the ¢ortillas are baked, of the size of a dumpling, which is then flattened to the shape of a hand. It is then enveloped in a plantain leaf, tied with a string made of the fibre of the leaf, and put in a kettle to boil: when cooked, it is eaten hot. Among the aborigines, water is handed round before each meal to the members composing the party. The females never eat with the males, but generally near the fire after the males have done. ‘The water is handed for the purpose of wash- ing the fingers, which have to take the place of our eating utensils, for which there is no occasion, as small pieces of tortillas, bent in the shape of a scoop, serve as a spoon or a fork with which to eat the boiled beans or fried eggs. Neither is there any necessity for a knife, the meat, if any is eaten, coming from the hearth in small pieces, which are torn apart by the fingers. ‘There are no tables or chairs in the aboriginal dwellings; but the basket, or hwacal containing the warm fortillas, wrapped in a napkin, is placed on the floor, around which the males sit on small low logs of wood. ‘The beans, with or without any addition, are portioned out by the mother and handed in a small huacal to the males, each one of whom helps himself to the tortillas. After the conclusion of each repast, fresh water is handed again, to rinse the mouth and to clean the teeth. Fresh water is never drunk by the aborigines; chocolate or pinol, which I shall mention later, being used as a beverage at the meals and between times. The inhabitants, not only of Guatemala but also of other parts of Central Amer- ica, disrobe themselves entirely on going to bed. ‘This is done by every one, poor or wealthy, those of the latter at least who inhabit the “country.” Whether the wealthier class in the cities adopt the same custom, I do not know; but it was from the owners of haciendas that I first ascertained the fact. The reason given for this habit is the desire to escape from the fleas which, hiding themselves in the folds of any covering, would evade detection, and be the more troublesome. All the salt produced in Salinas is carried away on the backs and heads of men, who come for it, (many from great distances,) and sell it at home or in a suitable market. In Guatemala, everything, with the exception of grain, vegetables, and sugar,—which are transported on beasts of burden,—is carried on the heads of men, there being no cart-roads of any length except that from the port to the capital. ‘The articles to be carried are adjusted into a package higher than wide, and secured by a net called red. ‘To the back part of this pack, near its base, is fastened a strap of raw hide, the two ends of which are attached to another strap called tapal, of the size and form of a large hand. The burden is placed on a stone or some other elevated object, and the man, stooping down, puts the tapal on the top of his head, and lifting his burden, trots off with it. When a pater familias going on a journey has baggage to carry, either his wife or one of his children accompanies him to carry his provisions. ge a Lashed 7g ow = i i J = = | *" > g > APPENDIX I. The Aboriginal Modes of hafting Stone and Bone Implements. Various North American tribes still use, though to a limited extent, weapons and tools of stone and bone, hafting them according to the methods in vogue among their forefathers. Such modern specimens illustrate the manner in which the stone axes, celts, adzes, and other implements of earlier date were rendered serviceable by the addition of handles, and it has been thought proper, therefore, to figure and describe here the most characteristic among the numerous hafted weapons and tools preserved in the ethnological department of the National Museum. HAFTED STONE WEAPONS. Fig. 323.— Grooved greenstone axe with a hickory withe bent around the groove. The ends of the withe, which form the handle, are firmly bound with strips of raw-hide below the stone head, near the middle, and at the lower part (Dakota Indians). Fig. 324.— Polished celt of argillite, chipped thin at the blunt part to fit into the cleft end of an oaken stick, where it is secured by twisted cords of sinew (Indians of the Missouri Valley). Fig. 325.— War-club, consisting of a heavy roundish stone firmly connected with a long handle. Both the stone and the handle are tightly cased in raw-hide sewed together with sinew. The end of the handle is perforated for receiving a loop of dressed skin, designed to pass around the wrist (Dakota Indians). (93) 94 APPENDIX. Fig. 326.— A weapon of similar character. In this instance, however, the handle is much shorter, and the round stone head is not firmly attached to its end, but is merely connected with it by flexible thongs. The raw-hide covering of the weapon (includ- ing head and handle) consists of one piece taken from the caudal portion of an ox, a part of whose tail forms an ornamental appendage to the handle (Apaches). The analogy of such weapons to the medieval ‘‘ morning-stars” has been pointed out on page 32. Fig. 827.— A war-club with a well-wrought and polished egg-shaped head of yellowish limestone, grooved around the middle for receiving the handle. One end of the latter is bent like a hoop to fit into the cavity of the stone, and strengthened by a casing of raw- hide, which extends about six inches below the head. The part of the ashen handle that encircles the stone is ornamented with large-headed brass nails. The extremity of the handle, again, is enveloped by a tightly fitting covering of raw-hide, taken from the caudal part of a buffalo. A tuft of the animal’s tail has been retained for the sake of decoration, and a feather of the wild turkey is attached to the hair by means of a narrow strip of dressed skin (Blackfeet). Fig. 328.— A weapon of the same description. The polished head, which consists of greenstone, is smaller and more elongated than in the original of Fig. 327. The handle shows the usual casing of raw-hide, and is pierced at the lower extremity for facilitating the attachment of a wrist-strap (Missouri River Valley). Fig. 329.— Dagger-knife, chiefly used as a hunting weapon. It consists of a ground lance-head- shaped blade of dark slate, inserted and riveted by means of a wooden peg into a barbed ivory socket, which is attached to a short cylindrical handle of pine-wood (Natives of Nunivak Island, Alaska). Fig. 830.—Scabbard of the dagger-knife just described. Formed by two hollowed pieces of pine, which are held together by a binding of split spruce-roots. Vig. 331.—Grooved hammer of greenstone, the flattened lower side of which rests against a corresponding flat part of the curved handle. The head is connected with the handle by ligatures of raw-hide (Fort Simpson, British Columbia). There are similar hammers from the Northwest Coast in the collection, in which the narrower part of the stone is formed in imitation of an animal’s head. Other hammers or mauls cased in raw-hide, one of which has been previously figured and described, are still in use among various tribes (See Fig. 79 on page 20). fig. 332.—Large adze-shaped pick of whalebone, attached by raw-hide thongs to a flattish massive pine handle, which is perforated at the broader part for receiving the ligatures. The latter are confined by notches in the sides of the head (Mackenzie’s River District). APPENDIX. 95 Fig. 333.—Smaller implement of the same character. The head of walrus ivory and the short pine handle show corresponding perforations, serving to connect both parts by means of raw-hide ligatures (Nunivak Island). Fig. 334.— Hoe made of the shoulder-blade of a buffalo, and bound with raw-hide thongs to the shorter flat part of a hook-shaped curved handle of ash-wood. A pad of dressed skin is placed between the blade and the corresponding part of the handle (Arickarees, Fort Berthold, Dakota Territory). SSE HAFTED STONE AND BONE TOOLS, Fig. 8335.—Implement marked ‘‘reaping-hook.” It consists of the right lower jaw of an antelope, around which is bent a sapling forming the handle. Its two ends are bound together by a strip of bark. The jaw is further secured to the handle by a thong of raw-hide (Caddoes, Indian Territory). Fig. 336.— Small celt-shaped adze of argillite, resting against a shoulder at the extremity of a forked handle, the thinner branch of which, being held in the right hand, doubtless served to guide the implement, while the thicker part of the handle was grasped by the left. The stone blade is held in place by a cord of twisted sinew. The tool is said to have been employed in finishing the inside of canoes, thus combining the characters of an adze and a scraper (Natives of Vancouver’s Island). Other methods of hafting adzes are exemplified by Figs. 70 and 71 on page 19. 96 Fig APPENDIX. . 337.— Long flat celt-like chisel of argillite, attached to a roughly worked cylindrical handle by a thong of twisted raw-hide. The handle is provided with a shoulder against which the stone rests. The tool evidently was used in connection with a mallet, as indicated by the battered upper end, which is, moreover, confined by a ring of twisted spruce-roots (Vancouver's Island). . 838.—Celt-shaped chisel of argillite, strongly bound with a strip of leather to a carved handle of peculiar form (Vancouver's Island). . 339.— Chipped flint scraper, partly enveloped in buckskin, and bound by means of a raw-hide thong to a hook-shaped ornamented handle of elk-horn (Mandans). . 340.— Tool used in chipping stone arrow-points, perforators, etc. It consists of a slender blunt piece of deer-horn, bound with cotton cord to a wooden rod about the thick- ness of an arrow-shaft (Indians of Nevada Territory). APPHNDIX. If. System adopted in arranging the Smithsonian Collection illustrative of North American Ethnology.* I. Man. Desiccated Bodies. Casts of Indian Heads in plaster, wax, and Skeletons. papier-maché. Skulls. : Photographs, Drawings, and Paintings of 4° 0- Other Parts of Skeletons. rigines and of Scenes of Aboriginal Life. Lis CunruRE. (1.) Aliment, ete. B. Drink. A. Food. 1. Decoctions. 1. Mineral Food. UE See Salt. 2. Fermented Drinks. Clay (mixed with food). Cider, Wine and Liquor. 2. Vegetable Food. C. Narcotics. a. Unprepared. Tobacco and its Substitutes. Roots. : D. Medicines. Bark. 1. Mineral Medicines. Buds. Earths, ete. Flowers. 2. Vegetable Medicines. Fruits. Herbs. Seeds. Roots. b. Prepared. Buds. Sugar. Flowers. Preserved Fruits. Seeds. Meal. 3. Animal Medicines. Mush. Pulverized Bones, etc. Bread or Cake. (2.) Habitations. 3. Animal Food. A. Skin Lodges. Dried and smoked Meat of Mam- B. Models of Dwellings. mals, Birds and Reptiles. Shelters. Dried and smoked Fish. Skin Lodges. Dried Fish-eggs. Yourts. Roasted and dried Insects and Huts (of bark, grass, etce.). Worms. Wooden Houses. *In this classification Professor O. T. Mason’s pamphlet, entitled “‘ Ethnological Directions relative to the Indian Tribes of the United States ” (Washington, 1875), has been used to some extent. 13 (97) APPENDIX. C. Appurtenances. Sweat-houses (models). Totem-posts (originals and models). Gable-ornaments (carved). Locks (wooden). (3.) Furniture. (4.) Mats (of bark, grass, flax, etc.). Screens, Hammocks. Bed-coverings. Head-rests (Hoopa Indians, Cali- fornia). Cradles. Cradle-boards. Chairs. Stools. Washing-vessels, Tubs. Pails. 30xes. Chests. Lamps. Brooms. Fly-brushes. Vessels and other Utensils of Household Ise. A Raw Material. Stone. Clay. Roots. Grass. Rushes. Osiers. Splints. Wood. Horn. Skin. Membrane. Dyes and Cements (for baskets, ete.). . Earthenware. Cooking-vessels. Ollas. Spherical Jars. Small-necked Jars, Canteens. Pitchers. Dishes. Trays. Bowls. Cups. Ladies. Spoons. Ornamental Vessels. C. Carved Horn and Wooden-ware. Four-sided Vessels. Trays. Dishes. Bowls. Cups. Dippers. Spoons. Ladles. Stirring-sticks. D. Carved Stone-ware. Plates. Trays. Dishes. Bowls. Cups. E. Water-tight and ordinary Basket- work. Cups. Bowls. Flasks. Carrying-bottles. Baskets of various forms. F. Bark Vessels. Trays. Bowls. Pails. G. Gourd Vessels. Cups. Bowls. Carrying-bottles. H. Skin and Bladder Bottles. (5.) Articles serving in the Use of Narcotics. Pipes. Tobacco-pouches. Cigar-cases. Plates for cutting Tobacco. Snuff-grinders. Snuff-scrapers. Snuff-boxes. Snuff-tubes. (6.) Receptacles used in Transportation. A. On Foot. Pouches. Burden-straps. Burden-nets. Burden-baskets. B. With Beasts of Burden. Bags. Raw-hide Cases. (7.) Clothing. A. Raw Material. Fur. Raw-hide. Wool. Hair. Vegetable Fibre. APPENDIX. B. Complete Suits (in part exhibited on lay-figures). C. Head-clothing. Hats. Caps. Hoods. Head-scarfs. D. Body-clothing. Robes. Blankets. Mantles. Capes. Shirts. Tunics. Coats. Clouts. Aprons. Skirts. E. Hand-clothing. Mittens. Gloves. F. Leg and Foot-clothing. Sandals. Moceasins. Shoes. Boots. Socks. Stockings. Leggins. Garters. G. Parts of Dress. Bands. Belts. (8.) Personal Adornment. A. Head-ornaments. Wigs. Chignons. Hair-pins. Tucking-combs. Head-bands. Feather Head-ornaments. Labrets. Nose-ornaments. Ear-ornaments. ao . Neck-ornaments. Necklaces. Neck-bands. Collars. . Breast and Body-ornaments. Gorgets. Ornamental Girdles. D. Limb-ornaments. Rings. Bracelets. Armlets. Anklets. . Toilet Articles. Substitutes for Soap. Paints (mostly mineral). (Paint-mortars). Spatule (for face-painting). Hair-powder. Hair-dye. Combs. Head-scratchers. Tweezers for removing the hair. Mirrors. (9.) Implements for General Use, for War and the Chase, and for special Crafts and Occupations. A. Implements for General Use. 1. For Striking. Hammers and Mauls. 2. For Cutting, Sawing, Perforat- ing, ete. Knives of various forms. Hatchets. Adzes. Chisels. Gouges. Wedges. Scrapers. Skinning Implements. Saws. Drills. Awls. Cutting-blocks. Tool-boards. (Tool-boxes). (Whet-stones). B. Implements for War and the Chase. 1. Striking Weapons. War-clubs (with or without metallic points or stone weights). Tomahawks. 100 APPENDIX. Reaping-hooks. 2. Throwing Weapons. 5. Implements for Fire-making. Boomerangs (Moquis, etc.). Fire-sticks and Drills. Bolas. Flint with Steel and Pyrites. Moss. 8. Thrusting Weapons. Pane Knives. Tandon Daggers. Slow-matches. Swords. Fire-nests. Lances. Fire-bags. 4. Projectile Weapons and Appur- 6. Implements for Arrow-making. tenances. Chipping-tools. Arrows. Shaft-grinders. Bows. Shaft-straighteners. Quivers. Glue-sticks. Wrist-guards. 7. Implements for making Pottery. Harpoons and Throwing-boards. Paddles. Slings. Smoothing-stones. 5. Defensive Weapons. 8. Implements for Twisting, Spin- Shields. ning, Weaving, Sewing and Helmets. Embroidery. Visors. Fibre-twisters. Body-armour. Spindle-whorls. : Reels. . Implements for Special Crafts and Knitting-needles. Occupations. Looms with Woof-sticks and 1. Implements for Hunting other Shuttles. than Weapons. Awls. Snares and Traps. Needles. Nets. Needle-cases. Hooks for catching small Ani- 9. Implements for Basket-making. mals. Plaiting-tools. eye 10. Implements for working Skins. 2. Implements for Fishing other Serapers. than Weapons. Skin-softeners. Hooks and Lines. Burnishers. Sinkers and Floats. Crimping-tools. Nets. 11. Implements for Carving. Traps. Knives. 8. Implements and Utensils used Gouges: in Gathering and Manufac- 12. Implements for Painting (includ- turing Food. ing Paints). Root-diggers. Bristles. Gathering and Winnowing-trays. Paint-sticks. Mortars and Pestles (of wood Se and stone). Rubbing-stumps. Stone Troughs or Slabs with (Eaints): Rubbing-stones. (10.) Means of Locomotion and Transporta- 4. Agricultural Implements. GoU Spuds. A. By Land. Hoes. 1. Traveling on Foot. Rakes. Ice-creepers. Snow-shoes. APPENDIX. 2. Conveyances, etc. Saddles. Bridles. Halters. Stirrups. Spurs. Foot-mufflers. Dog-harnesses. Reindeer-harnesses. Sleds. Sleighs. B. By Water. Balsas. Dug-outs. Bark Canoes. Bull-hide Boats. Kayaks. Oomiaks. Pushing-sticks. Paddles. Oars. Bailing-vessels. Spear-rests. (11.) Games and Pastimes. A. Gambling Implements. C. Pairs of Bones and Sticks. Bundles of Sticks. Discs. Dice. Ivory Blocks and Catching-sticks. Cards. Chess. - Dancing. Plumes. Wooden Masks and Head-dresses. Buffalo-head Masks. Head-shields. Hip-ornaments. Rattles. Batons. Spears. Scalps. Athletic Exercises. Rackets. Sticks. Poles. Balls. Rings. Boundary-sticks. . Children’s Sports and Toys. Dolls. Whirligigs. 101 Tops. Miscellaneous Toys. (12.) Music. (13.) A. Instruments for Beating and Shak- ing. Drums. Sounding-bars. Rattles. Clappers. B. Rubbing and Stringed Instruments. Notched Sticks. Cane Harps. Cane Fiddles. C. Wind Instruments. Whistles. Fifes. Flutes. Trumpets. Horns. D. Whizzers. Art. A. Pictorial Representations and orna- mental Designs on Wood, Bark, Bone, Horn, Ivory, dressed Skin and Leather. B. Carvings in Stone, Wood, Horn, Bone and Ivory. C. Embroidery and other ornamental Work with Quills, colored Threads, Hair, Feathers, and Beads. (14.) Enumeration, ete. (15.) Census-sticks. Dunning-sticks. Objects relating to Superstitions. Idols. Charms. ‘© Medicines.” Medicine-bags. Medicine-boxes. Batons. Rattles. Drums. (16.) Objects relating to Funeral Rites and Burials. Mourning-yokes. Mourning-bracelets. Dead-masks. Burial-frames. a A). ie : - “4 ; ye ~ . Wt hite 2 aa I iim & sit AVR Pate Fy) 2 bowl payin ad 1) — ¢ er as A Ea wth Vestartt hw ripe peng ey s) hal Py aright uM } i val fs Ae ve Te | wr AS rt - ; aye ' ih wi AY 5) LonvOaatees ahi git eal nivel , pee ews 7 on bryan’ vfs pee oA al Mal ee er rh., laa aie \ onthe oe | 9 bheiligak - ea E eae ; a ue a cael th i 4 pp c i [a 4) i es aye i, Adair, 28, 30, 38, 74. Adzes, with handles, 19. Alaska, copper articles from, 62. Appendix I., 93. Appendix II., 97. Archeological series, 1. Armilets of copper, 61. Arrow-heads, mostly small, 2. se their abundance, 8. ee are still manufactured, 8. ae different shapes of, 9, 10. Arundinaria macrosperma, 89. Axes, grooved, 19, 20. Begert, 44. Bancroft, Mr. H. H., 31, 70, 89. Bartram, 46. Beads of copper, 61. a shell, 68. ce stone, 51. Blackmore Museum, England, 45, Boat-shaped articles, 82, 33. Bone and horn, 63. Bowls of stone, 37. Calumet-pipes, 48. Carvings of birds, etc. upon pipe-bowls, 46, 47. Casts of pipes, 45. “2 remarkable relics, 26. Catlin, Mr., 28, 75. Catlinite, or red pipe-stone, 50, 51. Celts of jade in Mexico, 17. Celts or Wedges, 17. Chiboue of the Turks, 51. Chisels, 18. Chung-kee, an Indian game, 28. Church, Prof. A. H., 45. Clams as food, 70. Clarke, Mr., 28. Classification of the archxological series, 3. Claws as ornaments, 64. Clay images, 84, 85. Clay, manufactures of, 73. «vessels of, 77, 78, 79, 80. Clay pipes, 84. Cleu, Mr. J. F., 89. Club-head-shaped stones, 31. Coiled snakes in terra-cotta, 87. Collections from Porto Rico, 4. Columelle of shells, 68. Contents, V. Cooking vessels, globular, 37. Copper, 59. Copper articles from Alaska, 62, Copper harpoon-heads, 63. Copper pipes, 45. Coreal, 44. Cups, hollowed out from the vertebrz of cetaceans, 63. Cushing, Mr. F. H., 63. Cutting and sawing implements, 13. Cutting tools, 24, 25. ce different shapes of, 14. [ND HX. Dall, Mr. W. H., 43. Davis, Dr. E. H., 54. Difficulties in determining the real char- acter of stone implements, 2. Discoidal stones, 28, 29. Drilled ceremonial weapons, 23. Drilling in stone, 54. Drinking cups made of shells, 66. Dug-outs, 88. Dumont, 74. Du Pratz, 28, 30, 74. Kgg-shaped stones, 32. Epiphysis, pierced for ornament, 65. Ethnological series, 1. Ethnology, North American, 97. Ewbank, Mr. Thomas, 81. Fifes of bones, 63. Fish-hooks of bone, 63. Flakes of flint, obsidian, etc., of different shapes, 8. Flint knives, hafted, 2. Foot-tracks, sculptured, 57. Foster, Mr. J. W., 59. Gibbs, Gen. Alfred, 82. Gibbs, Mr. Geo., 85. Gibbs, Mrs., 82. Globular cooking vessels, 37. Gorgets made of shells, 71, 72. Gouges and adzes, 18, 19, Gold in grains, 60. Greenstone, material for implements, 3. Grinding and polishing tools, 34, 35. Hafted stone and bone tools, 95, Hafted stone weapons, 93. Hammer-heads, grooved, 21 Hammer-stones, 22. Harpoon-heads of bone, 63. Henry, Prof., 89. Hunter, Mr., 74, 75. Ice-chisel from Unalaska, 18. Implements and ornaments of bone, 64. ae of copper, 59, 60, 61, ce of stone dagger-shaped, 14, 15. leaf-shaped, 15. wedge or celt-shaped, 17. Indian tools for making stone arrow- heads, etc., 22. Introduction, 1. Jefferson, President Thomas, 56. Jones, Col. Chas. C., 26, 32, 41, 71. Jones, Dr. Joseph, 26, Juet, Robert, 45, 59. Knight of Elvas, 59. Kohl, Mr., 44. Lake Superior, ancient mining on the shores of, 59. Lapis ollaris, 36. Lartet and Christy, Messrs., 63. Latimer, Mr. George, 4. Lawson, 28. Lewis and Clarke, Messrs., 28. Loskiel, 74. Mason, Prof. O. T., 97. Matting of split cane, 89. Metate, Mexican, 40. Mexican carvings, 56. se celts of jade, 17. ae clay figures, 85. nS knives, 3 as pottery, superior, 76. ae spindle-whorls, 87. ee statuettes, 86. ee vases, 82, 84. Modes of hafting stone and bone imple- ments, 93. of manufacturing pottery, 74, 75. Morgan, Mr. L. H., 39. Mortars of stone and wood, 38, 39. Motolinia, 8. Mullers, 42. Murray, Mr., 28. Necklaces of claws, 64. Needles of bone, 63. Neolithic period, 7. Net-sinkers, 27, 28. Nilsson, Prof., 18. Notches in pendants, probably denoting enumeration, 53. Nut-stones, 40, 41. Objects of wood, 88. Obsidian points for arrows, 3. Ornamented pestles, 43. Ornaments, 26, 51, 52. Pai-Utes, 2, 8. Paint-mortars, 40, 41. Paleolithic period, 7. Pebbles, pierced for ornament, 52. Pendants and sinkers, 26, 27. Perforations made by drilling, 24. Perforators, different shapes of, 12, 13. Perforators of bone, 63. a stone, 12. Perry’s Expedition to Japan, 5. Pestles, 41, 42. “for preparing food, 43, Pierced tablets, 32, 33. Pin-shaped articles made of marine uni- valves, 68. Pipes, 45, 47, 49. Plates of stone, 37. Plummets, 26. Porto Rico, collections from, 4. Potstone, material for vessels, 36. Pottery, 73. “painted and decorated, 75, 81. Powell, Major J. W., 2, 40. (103) 104 Rattles made of shells, 68. “of clay, 85. Relics, prehistoric, from Europe, 4. “of bone and horn from California and New York, 63. Santa Barbara Islands, 31, 63, 88. Schoolerait, Mr., 33, 43. Schumacher, Mr. Paul, 31, 37, 51, 63, 70, 72, 91. Scraper-like implements, 25, 26. Scrapers, different shapes of, 13. s with handles, 13. Sculptures, 54, 55, 57. Serpentine, material for vessels, 37. Shell-money, 70. Shells used for ornament, 51, 52, 66, 69. Shells, utensils of, 66, 67. Silver, traces of, 60. Smith, Captain John, 59. Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, 45. Spade-like implements, 25, 26. Spear-heads, different shapes of, 11, 12. a resemble large arrow-heads, 10. Spear-heads, so-called, used with handles, 10. Specimens from Central and South Amer- ica, 4. Spindle-whorls, Mexican, 87. Squier, Mr. E. G., 4. INDEX. Squier & Davis, Messrs., 45, 46, 48. Statuettes, Mexican, 86. Stevens, Mr. E. T., 45. Stone as raw material, 7. “¢ flaked and chipped, 7. « implements, 90. oo ou their use, often doubt- ful, 2. Stone knives for cutting leather, 2. Stone, pecked, ground and polished, 17. Stone plates, 37. “vessels, 36. Stones, club-head-shaped, 31. “© discoidal, used in Indian games, 28, 29. Stones, egg-shaped, 32. “ used in grinding and polishing, 34, 35. Striped slate, material for ornaments, 53. System adopted in arranging the Smith- sonian collection relating to North American Ethnology, 97. Tablets, pierced, 32, 33. Teeth, perforated for ornaments, 64. Terra-cotta figures, 84. Tilhuggersteene, 22. Tissues and implements from China and Japan, 5. Tomahawks, 21. Tools used by modern Indians, 22. Torquemada, 8. Toy canoes, 88. Trichecus manatus, 46. Tubes, 43, 44. a ornaments or amulets, 43. Tylor. Mr. E. B., 8. Typical objects only described, 5. Unalaska, ice-chisel from, 18. Utensils made of shells, 67. Vases, Mexican, 82, 84. Venegas, 44. Verazzano, 59. Vessels of clay for culinary purposes, 73. ne stone, 36. Wampum-beads, 68. Weapons of parade, drilled, 23, 24. Weapons, utensils, etc. from Asia, Africa, Australia, etc., 4. Wedges or Celts, 17. Weights for fishing-lines, 26. Whipple, Lieut., 81. Whistles of bird-bones, 63. a clay, 85. Whittlesey, Mr. Charles, 59. Wilkes, Capt., 5. Williams, Roger, 62, 68, 70. Wood, manufactures of, 88. Wyman, Prof. Jeffries, 71. Yarrow, Dr. H. C., 31. SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE, 331 THE PALENQUE TABLET IN THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, WASHINGTON, D. C. BY CHARLES RAU. WASHINGTON CITY: PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. WSs. a = 7 i i> 1 = =F 7 i < ; i vet way ACS tg ie} Aan a ow te = Ss Py - view m ADVERTISEMENT. The specimen which constitutes the subject of this memoir is a sculptured slab forming part of the celebrated tablet in the so-called Temple of the Cross at Palenque, in the State of Chiapas, Mexico, and was, many years ago, sent to the National Institute in Washington, and transferred thence to the custody of the Smithsonian Institution. The earlier figures and descriptions of this tablet gave it entire; those of later date represent only two-thirds of it; and the discovery of the missing portion in the National Museum at Washington has been a subject of great interest to archeologists, and among others to Professor Rau, who, as chief of the archzeological division of the National Museum, has had his attention drawn for some time to this remarkable relic. Fully appreciating its interest, that gentleman has bestowed great pains on an investigation of its history and an attempt to analyze the glyphs with which it is covered. The results of his labors are now presented in a full description of the whole tablet, accompanied by a number of illustrations specially prepared for the work, and others kindly lent by Mr. H. H. Ban- croft, of San Francisco. The author also‘gives a history of the explorations of the ancient city of Palenque, an account of works describing the ruins, and a chapter on aboriginal writing in Mexico, Yucatan, and Central America, in which he presents his views concerning the manuscripts and glyphs of Maya origin. In accordance with the usage of the Institution, this memoir has been submitted to Messrs. S. F. Haven, of Massachusetts, and H. H. Bancroft, of California, who have recommended its publication as a Smithsonian Contribution to Knowledge. It will undoubtedly be welcomed as a valuable addition to the literature of a subject attracting so much attention at the present day. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, SPENCER F. BAIRD, veton, D. C., November, 1879. : : ange ie RINCTON, as a Secretary Smithsonian Institution. a Le « wel we Be on niin A Sty ela i en *) | Adie rt 4 q ® © wo Pore ip ff me) ‘ a i AL 5 ’ au a rege : wei ay (eo th wil bi lot "Sy ie) Je Gols ®e Tal se ait S156 ay ! wii 9 oe 6 roo | AE oh prea oe PREFACE. It has been my endeavor to refrain in the following monograph from advancing any views incompatible with the data at my command. Such a course was imperatively demanded, in consideration of the strangely diverging opinions now current with regard to the former state of civilization in Mexico and Central America. While there prevails in certain quarters a disposition to overrate the culture of the ancient inhabitants of those countries, the adhe- rents of another school, in their eagerness to support favorite theories, evidently err in the opposite direction. Neither of these modes of procedure will lead to a just appreciation of the conditions they purport to elucidate. The thanks of the Smithsonian Institution and my own are due to Mr. H. H. Bancroft for the loan of the electrotypes of Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 18, 14, 15 and 17, which are among the illustrations of his “ Native Races of the Pacific States.” The frequent allusions to that work in this publication are the tribute I pay to its value. Cook. \\ I| CONTENTS. Chapter I. History of the Palenque Tablet . : . a Chapter II. Explorations of Palenque Chapter III. The Temple of the Cross . ° : . . Chapter IV. The Group of the Cross . Chapter V. Aboriginal Writing in Mexico, Yucatan and Central America Appendix: Notes on the Ruins of Yucatan and Central America vil : ~ a ae ig i re * 7 = - P t : wears ve Dl 5 * i ao -T - - * . a ah p vis PALS cette z i Al Ae Pes Jr} ia AS Ae Cites rs ! P| ia 2 sa ‘ i ery ic ' ' ™ * 3 mi z d E = >. he i ; E & A oe p © = be 5 . ; : — / a iB to LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PLATES. The Palenquean Group of the Cross. The Palenque Tablet in the United States National Museum. ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT. Fig. 1. Plan of Palenque (after Waldeck) : ; 3 . . . . Page 16 Fig. 2. Temple of the Cross—Front Elevation (after Stephens) : . . . 22 Fig. 38. Temple of the Cross—Side View (after Waldeck) . . . ° . 22 Fig. 4. Temple of the Cross—Ground Plan (after Stephens) . . . . ° 22 Fig. 6. Statue belonging to the Temple of the Cross (after Stephens) . . . 29 Fig. 6. Part of the Tablet of the Cross (after Del Rio, reduced) : . . : 382 Fig. 7. Part of the Tablet of the Cross (after Waldeck, reduced) . . ° : 33 Fig. 8. Part of the Middle Slab of the Tablet of the Cross after Charnay’s Photograph, joined to the corresponding Part of the Smithsonian Slab : : : 35 Fig. 9. Part of a Figure in the Fejérvary Manuscript (after Kingsborough) . - . 45 Fig. 10. Landa’s Maya Alphabet ; ° . ° 48 Figs. 11 and 12. Examples of Mexican Writing . . . 61 Fig. 13. Glyphs on the Left Tablet in the Temple of the Cross (after Waldeck) > 58 Fig. 14. Days of the Maya Calendar (Landa) . . 60 Fig. 15. Months of the Maya Calendar (Landa) . 60 Fig. 16. Index Diagram of the Glyphs on the Tablet of the Cross ‘ . 61 . 17. Restoration of the Palace and the Temple of the Three Tablets at Palenque (after Armin) 65 Fig: Ix re. ne ame oar 7 t j ui nie ears ek 4ypucia 19 Lat aly eh) Oy “ it 4 deter ery tt ae ey at. ee i +e Ny a iy 1 mar ny ie we b>) ie Alaa i a , i URW ARY ae inh ae AS seal Ava aren ri CHAPTER I. HISTORY OF THE PALENQUE TABLET. THE collections of the “ National Institute for the Promotion of Science,” established at Washington about forty years ago, were transferred in 1858 from the United States Patent Office to the care of the Smithsonian Institution. Among the objects of archeological interest were several fragments composing a large rectangular stone slab covered with glyphie designs in bas-relief, which had been presented to the National Institute by Mr. Charles Russell, consul of the United States at Laguna, on the Island of Carmen, State of Campeche, Mexico. The fragments had been obtained at Palenque, and reached Washington in 1842, having been packed in two boxes which arrived in different months of that year. The boxes, it appears, had been forwarded by Messrs. Howland & Aspinwall, in New York. The National Institute received at the same time a letter from Mr. Russell, dated Laguna, March 18th, 1842, in which he stated he had sent to the National Institute, per ship “Eliza and Susan,” fragments of a tablet from the ruins of Palenque, and by the “ Gil Blas” other pieces of the same tablet, which made it complete. These scanty facts are taken from the “ Third Bulletin of the Proceedings of the National Institute, from February, 1842, to February, 1845.” The letter in question is probably lost, as I could not find it among the remaining documents of the National Institute (now in the Smithso- nian Institution), though I made a careful search for it. I regret being unable to communicate any details concerning the removal of the fragments from the celebrated ruins of Palenque. The explorer, Stephens, and his companion, Cath- erwood, the artist, were hospitably entertained by Mr. Russell on their visit to Laguna in 1840. They had just finished their exploration of Palenque, and it is not unlikely that they imparted some of their archzeological enthusiasm to Mr. Russell, who may have visited the ruins and taken away the fragments. This, of course, is merely a surmise; for it is equally possible that they were removed, perhaps through the consul’s instrumentality, by some other person or persons. Mr. Russell was a native of Philadelphia, but had been long absent from the United States at the time of Mr. Stephens’s visit. He was married to 1 2 HISTORY OF THE PALENQUE TABLET. a Spanish lady of large fortune.* According to information received from the Department of State, he was appointed consul of the United States at Laguna. on the 5th of March, 1839, and died, while in that capacity, on the 10th of February, 1843. There was some correspondence between Messrs. Russell and Stephens after the last-named gentleman’s return to the United States. Before leaving Palenque, Stephens had instructed a Mr. Pawling to take plaster casts of its more important tablets, ornaments, etc., and arrangements had been made that these casts should be forwarded to the United States by Mr. Russell. Pawling’s work, however, was suddenly brought to a close by an order from the governor of Chiapas, and the casts thus far made were seized and retained. It is not altogether improbable that Mr. Pawling, while engaged at Palenque, collected the fragments of the tablet and sent them to the American consul, who for- warded them to the National Institute at Washington. Mr. Stephens had cherished the plan “ to lay the foundation of a Museum of American Antiquities, which might deserve the countenance of the General Government, and draw to it Catlin’s Indian Gallery, and every other memorial of the aboriginal races, whose history within our own borders has already become almost a romance and fable.” + I am indebted to Mr. Titian R. Peale, of Philadelphia, for information as to the history of the tablet after its arrival in Washington. On the return of the United States Surveying and Exploring Expedition to the South Seas, under ~ Lieutenant Wilkes, the collections made during that expedition were sent to the Patent Office at Washington, and Mr. Peale was appointed to arrange them, with other collections then in the Patent Office, in the hall of that building. Among the antiquities here deposited were the fragments of the Palenquean tablet, which, as Mr. Peale expressly states, fitted exactly together. The tablet excited some interest at the time, but no one, it seems, as yet duly appreciated its arch- eological importance. Subsequently, in 1848, when the Prussian envoy to the United States, Baron von Gerolt, solicited a plaster cast of it for his govern- ment, Mr. Peale employed Mr. Clark Mills, the sculptor, for making one, which the Prussian ambassador sent to Berlin. It is not mentioned in Professor A. Bastian’s catalogue of the ethnological department in the Royal Museum at Berlin.t The mould remained at the Patent Office until it was removed to the Smithsonian Institution, together with the collections of the National Institute. It probably had become unfit for further use in 1863; for in that year the late Professor Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, charged Dr. George A. Matile, then connected with that establishment,§ to make a new mould, in order to obtain a perfect cast of the slab. This work was success- * Stephens: Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan; vol. ii, p. 390. + Ibid. ; vol. ii, Appendix. t{ This catalogue was published in 1872. § Now in the United States Patent Office. HISTORY OF THE PALENQUE TABLET. 3 fully performed. While thus engaged, Dr. Matile, who was familiar with Mr. Stephens’s works, recognized the Smithsonian tablet as one of the three stone slabs, which, placed together, bore on their surface the sculpture of the famous Group of the Cross, forming the chief ornament of one of the buildings of Palenque, which for this reason has become known as the “Temple of the Cross.” The middle slab and that originally joining it on the left have been described and figured by late explorers; but the one which completed the sculp- tured group, and is now preserved in the Smithsonian building, probably was already broken into fragments before 1832, when Waldeck explored the ruins of Palenque. Stephens, who was there eight years afterward, certainly noticed its scattered pieces. It therefore has not been represented by either of them; but Del Rio and Dupaix, to whom we are indebted for the earliest reports on the ruins of Palenque, still saw it in its proper place, as I shall have occasion to show hereafter.* Dr. Matile announced the identification of the tablet in an article entitled “ American Ethnology,” which was written in 1865, but published in Barnard’s “ American Journal of Education” for January, 1868. The passage in which he explains the true character of the tablet occurs on page 431 of the Journal. Indeed, a mere comparison of the designs on the Smithsonian slab with the representations of the Palenque slabs belonging to the Group of the Cross, as given by Stephens, shows most plainly that the former is the complement of the latter. Yet the credit of having first pointed out that fact belongs to the above-named gentleman. A few years afterward the tablet was again broken, in consequence of an unlucky accident which happened on its being removed to another place in the Smithsonian building. However, it has been successfully restored, Dr. Matile’s fac-simile in plaster enabling the artist to replace with perfect precision the injured portions of the sculptured surface; and it is now exhibited, solidly framed, in the United States National Museum (in charge of the Smithsonian Institution), where it attracts considerable attention on the part of the numerous visitors. In 1873 the Smithsonian Institution sent a photograph of the tablet to Dr. Philipp J. J. Valentini, of New York, a gentleman much interested in the study of Mexican and Central American antiquities, and author of a treatise on the Mexican calendar-stone, which appeared first in German in pamphlet form, and was immediately afterward translated into English by Mr. Stephen Salisbury, Jy., and published in the ‘“ Proceedings of the American Antiquarian Society” ‘ * A short notice by Juarros is the first printed reference to the ruins, as far as I know. It is given in full on page 7. This author’s work appeared in 1808-18, Del Rio’s report in 1822. + Vortrag tiber den Mexicanischen Calender-Stein, gehalten von Prof. Ph. Valentini, am 30. April 1878, ete.; New York, 1878. 4 HISTORY OF THE PALENQUE TABLET. (No. 71), Worcester, Mass., 1878. Upon the receipt of the photograph, Dr. Valen- tini, of course, noticed at once that it represented the missing slab of the Temple of the Cross at Palenque, and he communicated his discovery to Professor Henry ina letter dated March 4th, 1873. He had arrived at this result without possessing any knowledge of Dr. Matile’s prior statement to the same effect. Not long ago, while re-reading Stephens’s excellent volumes on Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, I was naturally led to a close examination of the Palenquean relic in the Smithsonian Institution, and, in consideration of its great archeological importance, I conceived the plan of describing it and figuring it in juxtaposition with Catherwood’s well-known delineation of the Tablet of the Cross in Vol. II of Stephens’s “ Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan.” J am confident that my effort to present the celebrated bas-relief in its original completeness will meet the approval of all interested in that remarkable people who reared the great palace and the temples of Palenque. The accompanying outline plate is a reproduction of Stephens’s illustration, to which is added on the right side a correct delineation of the complemental Smithsonian tablet. The dotted vertical line, almost touching the extreme curve of the tail of the bird surmounting the cross, marks the joining of the left and middle tablets. This line has not been indicated by Mr. Catherwood. Before entering upon the description of the tablet, I shall have to mention a number of collateral facts, the knowledge of which will promote a better understanding of the subject to which this monograph is devoted. CHAPTER II. EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. In this chapter I purpose to give, in chronological order, and as succinetly as possible, an account of the principal explorations of the ancient city, comprising all those to which subsequent reference will be made. The ruins of Palenque are called after the picturesque village of Santo Domingo del Palenque,* about eight miles distant from them, and situated in the Mexican State of Chiapas, bordering on the Republic of Guatemala. Indeed, Chiapas formed a province of Guatemala during the period of Spanish su- premacy; but immediately after the declaration of independence under Iturbide (in 1821), the province became a part of Mexico, in virtue of a vote of its inhabitants. The aboriginal name of the ruined city is not known, + and the early works treating of those parts of America make no mention of the place. Cortés, on his famous expedition to Honduras (1524-1526), undertaken for the purpose of quelling the defection of his lieutenant, Cristéval de Olid, doubtless passed at no considerable distance from the locality now called Palenque. “If it had been a living city,” says Mr. Stephens, “its fame must have reached his ears, and he would probably have turned aside from his road to subdue and plunder it. It seems, therefore, but reasonable to suppose that it was at that time desolate and in ruins, and even the memory of it lost.”{ Mr. Prescott makes a similar observation: “The army (of Cortés),” he says, ‘was now at no great distance from the ancient city of Palenque, the subject of so much speculation in our time. The village of Las Tres Cruzes, indeed, situated between twenty and thirty miles from Palenque, is said still to commemorate the passage of the conquerors by the existence of three crosses which they left there. Yet no allu- * Founded about the year 1564 by Pedro Laurencio, a Dominican missionary among the Tzendal Indians. According to Morelet, it has now a population of six hundred souls, but was formerly considered a flourishing town. + “The word palenque is of Spanish origin, and means a stockade or enclosure of palisades. How it came to be applied to the village of Santo Domingo is not explained, but there is not the slightest reason tc suppose that it has any connection with the ruins.’’—Bancroft: The Native Races of the Pacific States; vol. iv, p. 294. t Stephens: Central America, ete., vol. ii, p. 357. 6 EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. sion is made to the ancient capital. Was it then the abode of a populous and flourishing community, such as once occupied it, to judge from the extent and magnificence of its remains? Or was it, even then, a heap of mouldering ruins, buried in a wilderness of vegetation, and thus hidden from the knowledge of the surrounding country? If the former, the silence of Cortés is not easy to be explained.’* There is a dim tradition relating to the origin of Palenque—certainly of doubtful value, but nevertheless of sufficient interest to be mentioned in this place. Indeed, the early history of Central America and Yucatan offers but few points of support to the investigator. ‘This history, or rather the recollec- tion of it,” says Brasseur de Bourbourg, “is merely founded upon a small number of traditions no less obscure than confused. The chronology is defective in the same measure, and that to which we try to link the principal events in the annals of Yucatan is characterized by the most arid laconism.’”’+ Such is the avowal of an author well known for the hardihood with which he throws out his speculations, and whose really great learning scarcely can dispel the distrust roused by his extravagant conclusions. Yet, notwithstanding these drawbacks, he has brought to light many interesting details bearing on the former state of those countries, and his works are, and long will be, indispensable to the student of American history. What Brasseur states concerning the founding of Palenque is chiefly taken from a curious manuscript by Don Ramon de Ordofiez y Aguiar, a native of Ciudad Real de Chiapas, who died about 1840, at an advanced age, as canon of the cathedral of that city. The comprehensive title of the manuscript, “Historia de la Creacion del Cielo y de la Tierra” (History of the Creation of Heaven and Earth), discloses at once the unmeasured range of his imagination. The account, as given by Brasseur, is the following:—It was several centuries before the Christian era, when there arrived at the Laguna de Terminos a small fleet of barks, from which a distinguished person, called Votan, accompanied by other chiefs of his race, went ashore. He came from a place called Valum- Votan, or “ Land of Votan,” which the commentator (Ordofiez) believes to have been the Island of Cuba. Votan penetrated, apparently unmolested by the natives,{ into the country, ascending the Usumacinta, and near one of the affluents of this river Central American civilization is supposed to have taken its origin ; for, during his sojourn in this region, a city arose at the foot of the * Prescott: Conquest of Mexico; vol. iii, p. 281. + Brasseur de Bourbourg: Histoire des Nations Civilisées du Mexique et de |’Amérique-Centrale; Paris, 1857-9, tom. ii, p. 2.—He refers to a Maya manuscript treating of the principal epochs in the history of Yucatan before the conquest. It was presented by Don Juan Pio Perez, a Yucatec scholar, to Mr. Stephens, who published it with an English version in the appéndix to the second volume of his work on Yucatan. The manu- script was written from memory by an Indian, at some time not designated. { Brasseur believes they were Tzendals. Remnants of this people still live in the neighborhood of Palenque, EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. a Tumbala Mountains,* which became the metropolis of a large empire. ‘This city was called Nachan (City of the Serpents),+ and the remains of its buildings are the now much admired ruins of Palenque.{ I must abstain from following in this place the further career of Votan, which is narrated, according to the tradi- tion, in the works of Brasseur and Bancroft. According to Juarros, the historian of Guatemala, the ruins of Palenque were discovered about 1750 by a party of Spaniards traveling in the Province of Chiapas ;§ but Stephens doubts this account, being rather inclined to believe that the existence of the ruins was revealed by the Indians, who had clearings in different parts of the forest for their corn-fields, or, perhaps, had known them from time immemorial, and caused the neighboring inhabitants to visit them.|| The Abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg, on the other hand, states that the ruins were accidentally discovered, in 1746, by the young nephews of the Licentiate Antonio de Solis, then residing at Santo Domingo, which formed a part of his diocese.4, Though the news of this discovery spread through the country, the Guatemalan government paid for a long time no attention to it, either from want of apprecia- tion, or because other matters deemed more important claimed its care. In 1773, however, Ramon de Ordofiez induced one of his brothers and several other persons to explore the ruins, and their information enabled him to draw up a report, which finally, in 1784, reached Don José Estacheria, President of the Guatemalan Audiencia Real. This functionary becoming interested in the subject, instructed in the same year José Antonio Calderon, Lieutenant Alcalde * Called Cerro del Naranjo on the new map of Yucatan, compiled by Hiibbe and Perez, and revised by Berendt (1878). + Culhuacan and Huehuetlapallan are other names supposed by some to have been applied to the city. + Brasseur de Bourbourg: Histoire des Nations Civilisées etc.; tom. i, p. 68. § “St. Domingo Palenque, a village in the Province of Tzendales, on the borders of the intendancies of Ciudad Real and Yucatan. It is the head of a curacy; in a mild and salubrious climate, but very thinly inhabited, and now celebrated from having within its jurisdiction the vestiges of a very opulent city, which has been named Ciudad del Palenque; doubtless, formerly the capital of an empire whose history no longer exists. This metropolis,—like another Herculaneum, not indecd overwhelmed by the torrent of another Vesuvius, but con- cealed for ages in the midst of a vast desert,—remained unknown until the middle of the eighteenth century, when some Spaniards, having penetrated the dreary solitude, found themselves, to their great astonishment, within sight of the remains of what once had been a superb city, of six leagues in cireumference; the solidity of its edifices, the stateliness of its palaces, and the magnificence of its public works were not surpassed in importance by its vast extent; temples, altars, deities, sculptures, and monumental stones bear testimony to its great antiquity. The hieroglyphics, symbols, and emblems, which have been discovered in the temples, bear so strong a resemblance to those of the Egyptians, as to encourage the supposition that a colony of that nation may have founded the city of Palenque, or Culhuacan. The same opinion may be formed respecting that of Tulhd, the ruins of which are still to be seen near the village of Ocosingo, in the same district.’’—History of the Kingdom of Guatemala etc., by Don Domingo Juarros. Translated by J. Baily ; London, 1828, p. 18.—Compendio de la Historia de la Ciudad de Guatemala. Escrito por el Br. D. Domingo Juarros ; Guatemala, 1808-18, tom. i, p. 14. Judging from this description, one would form a very poor opinion of the district in which Palenque is situated. Modern travelers, however, praise its beautiful scenery, especially Morelet and Charnay. || Stephens: Central America, ete.; vol. ii, p. 294. { Brasseur de Bourbourg : Monuments Anciens du Mexique; Paris, 1866, p. 3. 8 EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. Mayor of Santo Domingo, to make further explorations, and in 1785, an Italian, Antonio Bernasconi, royal architect in Guatemala, was ordered to continue the survey. Their reports, accompanied by drawings, never published as far as known, remained in manuscript, but were translated, in part at least, into French by Brasseur de Bourbourg, and published in his large work on Palenque (“Monuments Anciens du Mexique”), of which an account will be given on a subsequent page. The manuscripts in question, having been sent to Spain, were used by the royal historiographer, Mumioz, in a report on American antiqui- quities made by order of the king.* The first exploration of the ruins which led to a direct, though much retarded, result was that by Captain Antonio del Rio, undertaken in 1787, pur- suant to a royal decree issued May 15th, 1786. His report is dated Palenque, June 24th, 1787, and addressed to Don José Estacheria, “ Brigadier, Governor and Commandant General of the Kingdom of Guatemala, ete.” It was sent to Spain, accompanied by many drawings; but copies having been retained in Mexico and Guatemala, one of them was obtained by a gentleman who had resided many years in the last-named city—a Dr. McQuy—and brought by him to London, where it was translated into English, and printed in 1822 by Henry Berthoud. It forms a small quarto and bears the title: ‘“ Description of the Ruins of an Ancient City, discovered near Palenque, in the Kingdom of Guate- mala, in Spanish America; translated from the Original Manuscript Report of Captain Don Antonio del Rio, ete.” The title further informs us that the work contains the “Teatro Critico Americano, ete.,” by Dr. Paul Felix Cabrera, which is one of the many attempts to show how America was peopled. Though it appears that no drawings accompanied Del Rio’s manuscript report from which the English translation was made, the latter is, nevertheless, illustrated by seventeen lithographic plates. These delineations were executed by M. Frédéric de Waldeck, after copies of the drawings of Castafieda, the artist employed by Captain Dupaix, the succeeding explorer of Palenque. The copies in question, for some time in possession of M. Latour-Allard, of Paris, passed afterward into English hands. In the few copies of Del Rio’s work examined by me nearly every plate is marked with the initials F. W. or J. F. W., which stand for “Frédéric Waldeck” or “ Jean-Frédérie Waldeck.” One plate, moreover, is signed with his full name. Del Rio’s illustrations, as given in the English translation, are substantially those of Dupaix, only somewhat improved, more * Bancroft: Native Races etc.; vol. iv, p. 289, note. This note extends over several pages and embraces a full account of the explorations by which the ruins of Palenque have been made known, and of the many reports and books resulting from these explorations. Though my information in regard to the latter is derived from original sources, I have taken vurious details from this excellent résumé; others I obtained from the Abbé Brasseur’s ‘Monuments Anciens du Mexique,” a work containing the most extensive account of Palenque as yet published. It was not within my reach when I commenced this monograph. EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. 9 especially with regard to the contours of the human figures. Even the errors in Castafieda’s delineations, which have become obvious by later and more correct representations of the same objects, are reproduced in the plates illustrating the English translation of Del Rio’s report. Thus, the totally incorrect position of the glyphs in the Group of the Cross is shown in Del Rio’s plate as well as in that of Dupaix, and similar defects, common to both and surely not resulting from accident, can be pointed out. As for Del Rio's descriptions, they certainly have some merit, though they lack the precision and completeness of those of later investigators. The plates not being numbered, the references to them are in many cases obscure, and, indeed, would be unintelligible, if it were not for the surer guidance afforded by more recent publications on Palenque.* Of far greater importance were the three expeditions made, pursuant to a royal order, from 1805 to 1808, by William Dupaix, a retired captain of Mexican dragoons, for exploring the antiquities of Mexico. He was accompanied by Luciano Castaiieda, engineer and draughtsman, a secretary, and a military escort. In the course of his third expedition, in 1807, he reached Palenque, where he was engaged for several months in a thorough examination of the ruins. His manuscript report and drawings were to be sent to Spain; but the outbreak of the Mexican revolution frustrated this design, and they remained during those troublous times in the custody of Castaneda, who deposited them in the museum of the city of Mexico. In the meantime the Latour-Allard copies of Castafieda’s drawings were re-copied by Augustine Aglio, and published in 1830, in Vol. IV of Lord Kings- borough’s “ Mexican Antiquities.” Thirty-four of the many plates composing this volume relate to Palenque. Asa consequence, it follows that the new information concerning the ruins themselves, as given in the work, must almost exclusively be derived from the plates. The learned Abbé who acted as editor could add no new facts, not having visited * Waldeck: Voyage Pittoresque et Archéologique dans la Province d’Yueatan ; Paris, 1838, p. v11.—This work is a richly illustrated large folio volume, which the author dedicated to Lord Kingsborough, who had gener- ously furnished him with means for pursuing his investigations. The archxological part chiefly relates to the tuins of Uxmal. This exploration is of later date than that of Palenque; but he hastened the publication of the work, fearing some one might take hold of the subject, his drawings having been confiscated by order of President Santa Anna, the head of the same government, he says, which formerly had lent him its assistance. He had kept, however, duplicates of his designs, which enabled him to illustrate the volume. He complains bitterly of this treatment, calling the Mexicans barbarians who want to be considered as an enlightened people. + Bancroft: Native Races etc., vol. iv, p. 293. ‘a ie 12 EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. Palenque when the ‘“ Monuments Anciens”’ appeared. He saw the ruins several years afterward, in 1871. Waldeck’ plates are splendid lithographs, fifty-six in number, of which forty relate to Palenque. Yet, though the artistic merit of these delineations is worthy of the highest praise, they certainly create in the beholder some doubts as to their being absolutely faithful likenesses of the objects they represent. Like many other artists, Waldeck evidently had a tendency to use the pencil with improving effect—a quality which did not escape the notice of the experts selected for examining his drawings, and which was mildly designated in M. Angrand’s report as a disposition to attempt restorations (wn penchant aux restau- rations). I am under the impression that his drawings show the anatomical proportions of the human figures much better than the sculptures themselves warrant. This is certainly the case with the standing figures of the middle slab in the Group of the Cross, which I have compared with Charnay’s corresponding photograph, of which more will be said hereafter. Considerations like these, I may state in this place, have influenced me to reproduce as the principal illustra- tion in this monograph Catherwood’s representation of the bas-relief, in preference to that given by Waldeck. I will admit, however, that in such a case no one who has not seen the original can fairly estimate the merit of its delineation. In 1839 Mr. John Lloyd Stephens, of New Jersey, was entrusted by Presi- dent Van Buren with a diplomatic mission to Central America: an office leay- ing him much time for travel and that special kind of exploration which he had before successfully pursued in Egypt, Arabia and Palestine. He surveyed within ten months eight ruined cities, and published upon his return to the United States his well-known “Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan.”* These volumes were illustrated by his fellow-traveler, the artist Frederick Catherwood, of London. While they were going through the press, he embarked again, in company with Mr. Catherwood, for Yucatan, where his extensive explorations of ruins furnished him with the material for his succeeding work “ Incidents of Travel in Yucatan.”+ Stephens’s reputation as a talented and veracious author is so well established that any additional laudatory remarks almost appear superfluous ; and a large share of praise is likewise due to Catherwood, the skillful delineator. “Respecting the ability of these explorers,” says Mr. Bancroft, “and the faithfulness of their text and drawings, there can be but one opinion. Their work in Chiapas is excelled only by that of the same gentlemen in Yucatan.” Hardly less emphatic is the approval of the Abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg, himself a traveler in those regions. Referring to “Incidents of Travel in * First edition: New York, 1842 (2 volumes). + First edition: New York, 1843 (2 volumes). { Bancroft: Native Races, etc.; vol. iv, p. 293. EXPLORATIONS OF PALENQUE. 13 Yucatan,” he says :—‘‘ Malgré quelques imperfections, ce livre restera toujours un ouvrage de premier ordre pour les voyageurs et les savants; c’est la qu’on trouve pour la premiére fois, avec une fidélité presque photographique, cette série de monuments dont l’Kgypte elle-méme se serait enorgueillie, et 4 l’authen- ticité desquels M. Charnay est venu, il y a trois ans 4 peine, apporter avec ses belles photographies le plus éclatant témoignage.’** My late friend, Dr. Carl Hermann Berendt, who had seen nearly all the sites visited by Stephens, repeat- edly assured me that, with the explorer’s volumes as guides, he had found himself perfectly at home among the ruins degcribed by him. Stephens’s account of Palenque, which chiefly will be considered in the present case, occupies a considerable portion (pages 289 to 365) of Vol. II of the first-named of his works, and most of the illustrations of that volume represent Palenquean buildings and bas-reliefs. Considering that his actual survey of the ruins, made in May, 1840, occupied only twenty days, which, moreover, were rendered unpleasant by the rainy season, the amount of work done by him and his associate is really astonishing. It should also be borne in mind that, though Waldeck explored the ruins of Palenque several years before Stephens and Catherwood, the last-named gentlemen published their results at a much earlier day, and consequently could not in any way profit by the labors of their prede- cessor. The next visit to Palenque claiming our attention was made by the naturalist, M. Arthur Morelet, who spent in 1846 a fortnight among the ruins, as he states in his “ Voyage dans l’Amérique Centrale, Ile de Cuba et le Yucatan ;” Paris, 1857. The more important portion of the work was translated into English by Mrs. M. F. Squier, and appeared as “Travels in Central America, etc.;’ New York, 1871. Referring to preceding explorers, M. Morelet attempts no descrip- tion of the ruins; but his account is of much interest in other respects, as my subsequent quotations will show. Lastly, mention must be made of the large atlas of photographic views of Mexican and Yucatee ruins, taken by M. Désiré Charnay, who visited the western continent in 1857, charged by the French authorities with a mission to explore the ruins of America. His atlas is accompanied by an octavo volume, entitled “ Cités et Ruines Américaines ; Mitla, Palenqué, Izamal, Chichen-Itza, Uxmal. Recueillies et photographiées par Désiré Charnay. Avec un Texte par M. Viollet-le-Duc; suivi du Voyage et des Documents de ]’Auteur.” Paris, 1863. Among the four photographs obtained by him at Palenque that of the middle-tablet of the Group of the Cross is of particular interest in connection .with the subject treated in these.pages, and will be duly considered hereafter. * Brasseur de Bourbourg in: Archives de la Commission Scientifique du Mexique ; Paris, 1865, tom. i, p. 91. CHAPTER ITI. THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. THoueH anything like a description of Palenque would be incompatible with the character of this monograph, and, moreover, appear totally superfluous in view of the existing ample literature on the subject, I consider it as a part of my task to extract from the authorities enumerated in the preceding chapter such statements as relate to the Temple of the Cross and to the celebrated sculpture itself. I also give, as Fig. 1, a plan of Palenque, in order to illustrate the situation of the different buildings, all of which, as will be seen, face the cardinal points. The Temple of the Cross, indicated by No. 4 on the plan, is situated about one hundred and fifty yards east of the large building No. 1, commonly called the Palace, on the opposite bank of the small river Otolum,* which trav- erses the site of the ruins. It stands upon a dilapidated pyramidal stone structure measuring about one hundred and thirty-four feet on the slope, and forms a rectangle, fifty feet long and thirty-one feet wide; Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the character of the building. I now insert Del Rio’s somewhat vague account of the temple :— “ Eastward of this structuret are three small eminences forming a triangle, upon each of which is a square building, eighteen yards long by eleven broad, of the same architecture as the former, but having, along their roofings, several superstructures, about three yards high, resembling turrets, covered with different ornaments and devices in stucco. In the interior of the first of these three mansions, at the end of a gallery almost entirely dilapidated, is a saloon having a small chamber at each extremity, while in the centre of the saloon stands an oratory, rather more than three yards square, presenting on each side of the entrance a perpendicular stone, whereon is pourtrayed the image of a man * So called by Del Rio, but “ Otula’”’ by Stephens. According to Brasseur, Otolum means ‘ Place of crumb- ling stones,” and the name is applied to the ruins as well as to the stream. The people of the neighborhood call the ruins ‘ Casas de Piedra”’ (stone houses). 7 Stephens’s measurements. { He alludes to one of the temples south of the Palace: 16 16 hse, mi up: ~ OE eS Br aa LS ANS a 1. Palace. 2. Temple of the Three Tablets. 8. Temple of the ‘‘ Beau Relief.” SEAT a eee ce w Cpr ; ne Gane-y P I AW ve Seat AY j € NS Sai? as Maren 9 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. Reo GaaGan “wy wf Ze Sie Sit, a ca ‘< RAG v8 cl. rats SN Stom SE PLAN OF PALENQUE. (After Waldeck). 4. Temple of the Cross. 5. Temple of the Sun. 6. Ruined Pyramidal Structure. ws 7. Aqueduct. 8. Ruined Building. 9. Ruined Buildings. (The edifices marked 5 and 6 are placed by Stephens south of the Temple of the Cross, as indicated by the dotted lines. Some of the structures here specified are not mentioned in this publication.) THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. 17 in bas-relief.* Upon entering, I found the entire front} of the oratory occupied by three stones joined together, on which the objects described in Fig. 26{ are allegorically represented. The outward decoration is confined to a sort of moulding finished with small stucco bricks, on which are bas-reliefs . . . ; the pavement of the oratory is quite smooth, and eight inches thick, which it was necessary to perforate in order to make an excavation. Having proceeded in this labor, at about half a yard deep, I found a small round earthen vessel, about one foot in diameter, fitted horizontally with a mixture of lime to another of the same quality and dimensions ; these were removed, and the digging being continued, a quarter of a yard beneath, we discovered a circular stone, of rather larger diameter than the first articles, and on removing this from its position, a eylindrical cavity presented itself, about a foot wide and the third of a foot deep, containing a flint lance, two small conical pyramids with the figure of a heart in dark crystallized stone (which is very common in this kingdom and known by the name of challa) ; there were also two small earthen jars or ewers with covers containing small stones and a ball of vermilion . . . The situation of the subterranean depository coincides with the centre of the oratory, and in each of the inner angles, near the entrance, is a cavity like the one before described, where two little jars were also buried. It is unnecessary to dilate on the subjects repre- sented by the bas-reliefs on the three stones, or on the situation of the articles found in this place; they convey to the mind an idea that it was in this spot they venerated, as sacred objects, the remains of their greatest heroes, to whom they erected trophies recording the particular distinctions they had merited from their country, by their services or the victories obtained over its enemies, while the inscriptions on the tablets were intended to eternize their names; for to this object the bas-reliefs as well as the characters surrounding them evidently refer.’’§ . Such is Del Rio’s meagre allusion to the interesting sculpture. He was certainly not as well prepared for the task of describing antiquities as his successor, Dupaix, from whose report I translate, in accordance with my adopted plan, the following account of the temple :— “This number represents an oratory or temple, which we will call the Temple of the Cross, on account of the remarkable object it encloses. In dimen- sions it is equal to that just described ; but it has only one story. It is situated * These are the tablets immured in a house of the village of Santo Domingo. Mr. Stephens erroneously figures them as ornamenting the entrance to the oratory in the so-called Temple of the Sun (No. 5 on the plan). The statements of Dupaix and Galindo, as will be seen, remove every doubt. 7 He should have said ‘ back.” } The plates in the English translation of Del Rio’s report, as before stated, are not numbered. § Del Rio: Description ete., p. 17. 3 18 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. on a hill, the ascent to which is difficult. The front is also turned toward the north ;* but it is distinguished from the former by its interior ornaments. This temple contains a peculiar symbol in the form of a cross of very complicated construction, placed on a kind of pedestal. Four human figures, two on each side, contemplate this object with veneration. The figures nearest to the cross are dressed in costumes differing from those we have thus far seen ; they appear more dignified and deserve our special attention. One of these personages, taller than the others, offers with uplifted arms a new-born child of fantastic shape; the second person is portrayed in an attitude of admiration. The two others are placed behind the former. One represents an aged man, who holds in his raised hands a kind of wind-instrument, the end of which he has placed in his mouth, as in the act of blowing it. The tube is straight, consisting of several pieces united by rings, and from its lower extremity proceed three leaves, or rather feathers, since these people had a marked predilection for such ornaments. The last figure represents a grave and majestic man, lost in astonishment at what he contemplates. The costumes and ornaments of this great bas-relief are too complicated for description, being, indeed, the accom- plishment of all that the exalted imagination of the artist or inventor could conceive and produce. Only a drawing, or the bas-relief itself, can give an adequate idea of such a work. The ornaments surround the figures on all sides, yet without hiding them. Innumerable hieroglyphs accompany this mysterious representation : they are not only placed near the cross, which is the principal object, but also around the lateral figures, and they are, moreover, carved on slabs of a kind of fine-grained, dark-yellow marble, and arranged in horizontal rows. Imagine our surprise on suddenly beholding this cross! Yet, upon close and unbiased examination, one sees that it is not the holy Latin cross, which we adore, but rather the Greek cross, disfigured by extraordinary ornaments; for the former consists of a vertical line divided into unequal parts by a shorter horizontal line, forming, with the other, four right angles. The Greek cross is also composed of two straight lines, the one vertical and the other horizontal ; but the latter divides the former into two equal parts, four right angles being like- wise formed at the point of intersection. Moreover, the complicated and fantastic ornaments here exhibited are in contrast with the venerable simplicity of the true cross and its sublime significance. We must therefore refer this allegorical composition to the religion of this ancient people, a subject concerning which we have nothing to say, being totally ignorant of its ceremonies. ‘‘ How great would be our satisfaction, if it were in our power to give a true interpretation of these bas-reliefs as well as of the hieroglyphs, which are still more unfathomable! It appears that these nations employed two methods for * The building faces the south. THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. 19 expressing their ideas, using in one case letters or alphabetical signs, in the other mysterious symbols. The characters were disposed in horizontal and vertical rows, forming right, but never acute, angles. Thisis all that I was able to notice. I will add, however, that in both kinds of rows the same figures are sometimes repeated, and also that the human heads, which frequently occur, are always shown in profile and turned to the left. The characters, it thus appears, were, like the Hebrew, written and read from right to left.”* Reserving my comments on Dupaix’s incorrect representation of the tablet, I will now give a translation of Galindo’s observations on the temple and its sanctuary :— “ Another building consecrated to religious purposes stands east of the Palace on a hill still higher than those supporting the structures before described. The building in question consists of two galleries, the front one of which occupies its whole length, while the second is divided into three rooms. The eastern one looks like a dungeon, but its small entrance shows no indication of a door. The western room is a simple apartment; the middle one has no door; but as there are supporters (piliers) in the wall, I suppose that it was closed with curtains. This room encloses a small chapel provided with a flat roof. Its front is formed by two slabs of yellow stone, with a wide entrance between them. On the western stone is represented a man facing the door. His head is orna- mented with feathers and twigs, one of them supporting a small crane with a fish in its beak. He is clothed with a tippet and with pantaloons reaching to the middle of the leg, the lower part of which is encircled with bands; and a kind of boot without sole covers only the hind part of the foot. A little human figure of horrible appearance, sitting with its back turned toward the standing person, has no feet, but terminates in a tail. On the same slab are seen eleven inscribed tablets, two and a half square inches in size, above and in front of the standing human figure. The other stone slab shows an ugly old man, with something like a branch or a pipe in his mouth. Opposite these figures there are projections in the wall, at the upper part as well as at the lower, probably designed for attaching victims or criminals. Within, on the back part of the chapel, are represented among ornamental work ( parmi du filigrane) two human figures, about three feet high, the tallest of which places the head of a man upon the top of a cross, shaped exactly like that of the Christians; the other figure is apparently that of achild. Both have their eyes fixed upon the offered head. Behind the two figures are small tablets exhibiting well-worked characters. I may be wrong in supposing that human sacrifices were made in this chapel ; for such, it is believed, were performed within sight of large assemblies of people, while in this place a * Antiquités Mexicaines: Troisiéme Expédition du Capitaine Dupaix; tom. i, p. 26. 20 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. few persons only could have witnessed them. It may have been a dais under which magistrates administering justice took their seats. Above all these rooms are raised two parallel narrow walls, reaching to a height of eighty feet above the ground. They are pierced with square apertures, and by means of projecting stones one can reach the upper part, from which a most extended view over the plains toward the north is presented. “The physiognomies of the human figures in alto-relievo indicate that they represent a race not differing from the modern Indians; they were, perhaps, taller than the latter, who are of a middle or rather small stature, compared with Europeans. There are also found among the ruins stones for grinding maize, shaped exactly like those employed to-day by the Central American and Mexican Indians. They consist of a stone slab with three feet, all made from one piece, and a stout stone roller, with which the women crush the maize on the slab. “Though the Maya language is not spoken in all its purity in this neighbor- hood, I am of opinion that it was derived from the ancient people that left these ruins, and that it is one of the original languages of America. It is still used by most of the Indians, and even by the other inhabitants, of the eastern part of Tabasco, of Peten, and Yucatan. Books are printed in Maya, and the clergy preach and confess the Indians in the same language.’’* Having duly noticed in the preceding pages the earlier accounts of the Temple of the Cross, I will now present, in a cumulative form, the statements of Stephens and Charnay relating to the same subject, with such additional information as may be derived from Waldeck’s designs and his scanty expla- nations. ; The pyramidal structure bearing the temple stands, according to Stephens, on a broken stone terrace, about sixty feet on the slope, with a level esplanade at the top, one hundred and ten feet in breadth. The pyramid itself, now ruined and overgrown with trees, is one hundred and thirty-four feet high on the slope, as stated on a preceding page.t Charnay places the Temple of the Cross at about three hundred metres to the right of the Palace. He alludes to the height of the pyramid, without giving the measurement, and complains of the difficulties encountered in its ascent. ‘The stones with which the pyramid was cased give way under the feet; creeping plants impede the progress, and the trees are sometimes so close together as to bar the passage. It is difficult to account for the mode of construction of these stupendous works, and the question arises whether the builders did not avail themselves of the natural eminences so com- mon in America, modifying them according to their designs, either by raising or * Galindo’s letter to the Geographical Society of Paris (April 27, 1831), in: Antiquités Mexicaines, Notes et Documents Divers; tom. i, p. 74. + Stephens: Central America, ete., vol ii, p. 344. THE TEMPLE OF THE cROSS. 21 by truncating them, after which they encased the exterior of the mounds with stone.’”* Waldeck gives on Plate XX of the “ Monuments Anciens” an excellent view of the pyramid and the temple crowning its summit, taken from the main entrance of the Palace. The view shows the steep ascent to the pyramid, over- grown with trees and shrubbery, and near its base the simple dwelling inhabited by Waldeck during his sojourn among the ruins. I introduce as Fig. 3, on the following page, a copy of the temple, taken from this plate. The horizontal dimensions of the temple already have been given—fifty feet front, thirty-one feet depth. Fig. 2 represents (as restored) the front elevation of the building, showing its three entrances, and Fig. 4 the ground plan, both taken from Stephens. ‘ The whole front was covered with stuccoed ornaments. 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 interior of the building has been described to some extent, and the ground plan shows its division into two corridors, running lengthwise, the back one of which is divided into three rooms, that in the middle containing an oblong enclosure with a wide entrance facing the principal doorway of the building. The enclo- sure was surrounded with a heavy cornice or moulding of stucco, and above the doorway were rich ornaments, now much defaced; on each of the outer sides of the doorway was a tablet of sculptured stone, both of which, however, have been removed.{ I shall have occasion to allude again to these tablets, which were still seen in place by the early explorers. According to Stephens, the enclosure measures, within, thirteen feet in length and seven in depth. Galindo states expressly that the sanctuary, called by him a chapel, was covered with a flat roof,§ a circumstance not mentioned by Stephens, but again alluded to by Charnay. Against the back of the enclosure, and covering it almost entirely, were fixed the three tablets forming the Bas-relief of the Cross. No light was admitted, excepting that entering through the door. Stephens found the floor of the building covered with large stones, and noticed the breaches and excava- tions underneath, which Captain Del Rio had caused to be made. ; Speaking of the sanctuary, M. Charnay observes as follows: “This altar, which recalls by its form the ark of the Hebrews, is a kind of covered box (wne espéce de caisse couverte), having for an ornament a small frieze with mouldings. At both extremities of this frieze, high above, are displayed two wings, reminding one of the same kind of ornamentation often seen on the frontons of * Charnay: Cités et Ruines etc., p. 417. +Stephens: Central America, etc., vol. ii, p. 344, {Ibid., p. 345. § See p. 19 of this publication. 22 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. TEMPLE OF THE CROSS.—FRONT ELEVATION. (After Stephens). Fie. 3. NG AN aS a Fe RS ML IE SN TEMPLE OF THE CROSS.—SIDE VIEW. (After Waldeck). Fra. 4. TEMPLE OF THE CROSS.—GROUND PLAN. (After Stephens). THE TEMPLE OF THE CROsS. 23 Egyptian monuments. * On each side of its entrance are ornaments in stucco, and sometimes in stone, representing different personages, and in the back- ground of the altar is seen, half shrouded in darkness, a large panel, composed of three immense slabs, closely joined and covered with precious sculptures.” + It is evident that M. Charnay hereby merely wishes to convey the idea that the slabs formerly constituted a complete panel, but not that they are still united. This is proved by his own statements which will be given at the proper place. A real mistake, however, though a very pardonable one, seems to be implied in the following passages : “From the left room descends a staircase into an under-ground passage, leading exactly under the altar which we have described. It is probable that the priest hidden in this vault, of which the faithful had no knowledge, pro- nounced oracles with a loud voice, which the inquirer took for the voice of his gods. Thus, since the days of creation, the same means have been employed.” ¢ What M. Charnay here considers as the work of the aboriginal builders is probably the excavation made by Del Rio and noticed by Stephens. Del Rio himself states ‘that the situation of the subterranean depository coincided with the centre of the oratory.’’§ The temple measures about forty feet in height, including, of course, the roof and its curious superstructure. The accompanying cuts representing the front elevation (Fig. 2) and the side view (Fig. 3) will give an idea of its external appearance. The roof shows two slopes, the lower one of which ‘“ was richly ornamented with stucco figures, plants, and flowers, but mostly ruined. Among them were the fragments of a beautiful head and of two bodies, in just- ness of proportion and symmetry approaching the Greek models. On the top of this roof is a narrow platform, supporting what, for the sake of description, I * Neither Stephens nor any of the other explorers mentions these ornaments, which are, however, conspic- uously exhibited over the entrance to the sanctuary in the Temple of the Sun, as shown on the plate facing page 854 in the second volume of Stephens’s ‘‘ Central America.’’ It thus appears probable that M. Charnay attributed by mistake the wing-ornaments to the Temple of the Cross. The Temple of the Sun (marked No. 5 on the accompanying plan of Palenque) stands on a pyramidal structure near that supporting the Temple of the Cross, and bears much resemblance to the latter, in external structure as well as in its interior arrangement. Fixed in the rear wall of its sanctuary are three stone slabs exhibiting a bas-relief very similar in detail to that of the cross. Mr. Stephens figures the former in the frontis- piece of the above-mentioned volume. The two principal personages, probably the same who are represented on the Tablet of the Cross, offer children to a central figure in the shape of 2 large hideous mask with portruding tongue. This figure has been supposed to be an image of the sun, and hence the temple acquired its appellation. Stephens describes the tablet in question as ‘‘the most perfect and most interesting monument in Palenque. The sculpture is perfect, and the characters and figures stand clear and distinct on the stone. On each side are rows of hieroglyphics.”’ + Charnay : Cités et Ruines etc., p. 418 t Ibid., p. 419. ¢ See p. 17 of this publication 24 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. shall call two stories. The platform is but two feet ten inches wide, and the superstructure of the first story is seven feet five inches in height; that of the second eight feet five inches, the width of the two being the same. The ascent from one to the other is by square projecting stones, and the covering of the upper story is of flat stones laid across and projecting over. The long sides of this narrow structure are of open stucco work, formed into curious and inde- scribable devices, human figures with legs and arms spreading, and apertures between; and the whole was once loaded with rich and elegant ornaments in stucco relief. Its appearance at a distance must have been that of a high, fanciful lattice. Altogether, like the rest of the architecture and ornaments, it was perfectly unique, different from the works of any other people with which we were familiar, and its uses and purposes entirely incomprehensible. Perhaps it was intended as an observatory. From the upper gallery, through openings in the trees growing around, we looked out over an immense forest, and saw the Lake of Terminos and the Gulf of Mexico.” * Mr. Bancroft thinks ‘the super- structure would seem to have been added to the temple solely to give it a more imposing appearance. It could hardly have served as an observatory, since there are no facilities for mounting to the summit.” + There is a marked discrepancy between Stephens’s description of the temple, including his design of the front elevation (Fig. 2), and Waldeck’s side view of the same building (Fig. 3). In the latter the roof is of different shape, and its platform appears much wider than two feet ten inches, which is the measurement given by Stephens; and the superstructure, instead of consisting of parallel walls, shows a tapering form. Its two stories are indicated in this sketch by windows, and the wall of the building is pierced with two T-shaped apertures, of which Stephens makes no mention. Of course, it is at present impossible to decide which of the explorers is right, there being no appeal to a later authority. Speaking of the chief ornament of the temple—the Tablet of the Cross —Mr. Stephens observes: “ The principal subject of this tablet is the cross. It is sur- mounted by a strange bird, and loaded with indescribable ornaments. The two figures are evidently those of important personages. They are well drawn, and in symmetry of proportion are perhaps equal to many that are carved on the walls of the ruined temples in Egypt. Their costume is in a style different from | any heretofore given, and the folds would seem to indicate that they were of a soft and pliable texture, like cotton. Both are looking toward the cross, and one seems in the act of making an offering, perhaps of a child; all speculations on the subject are of course entitled to little regard, but perhaps it would not be wrong to * Stephens: Central America, etc., vol. ii, p. 847. + Bancroft: Native Races ete., vol. iv, p. 8331.—In the ‘‘Antiquités Mexicaines’’ the temple is figured without any superstructure (Troisiéme Expédition, planche xxxv). THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. 25 ascribe to these personages a sacerdotal character. The hieroglyphics doubtless explain all. Near them are other hieroglyphics, which reminded us of the Egyptian mode for recording the name, history, office, or character of the persons represented. This Tablet of the Cross has given rise to more learned speculations than perhaps any others found at Palenque. Dupaix and his commentators, assuming for the building a very remote antiquity, or, at least, a period long antecedent to the Christian era, account for the appearance of the cross by the argument that it was known and had a symbolical meaning among ancient nations long before it was established as the emblem of the Christian faith. A Aa There is reason to believe that this particular building was intended as a temple, and that the enclosed inner chamber was an adoratorio, or oratory, or altar. What the rites and ceremonies of worship may have been, no one can undertake to say.’”* M. Morelet, as before stated, abstains from a description of the Palenquean ruins, directing the reader’s attention to former explorations. He devotes, how- ever, a passing remark to the tablet: “ The bas-relief, known as the Stone of the Cross, deserves mention as one of the most meritorious. Torn by profane hands from the sanctuary which sheltered it, and left at the foot of a hill’ where it is gradually becoming destroyed—the enigma of this historical fragment has long occupied the attention of savants. They have fancied they could distinguish among the objects it represents the symbols of the worship of Memphis, and then again those of the Christian religion. But I think it will be well to await the coming of a second Champollion to furnish us with the key to American hieroglyphics ; and, until then, to see in this stone only an Indian allegory, of which the leading representations were suggested by the products of the country.’*+ There can be no doubt that Dupaix still saw, in 1808, the three tablets in their proper place, fixed against the rear wall of the Sanctuary of the Cross. The evidence lies in the fact that he represents, though in a manner far from accurate, the whole bas-relief, including portions sculptured on the slab which is now preserved in the United States National Museum. A comparison of the illustra- tions, which I shall introduce hereafter, will remove every doubt. In 1832, however, M. Waldeck found the middle slab torn from its place, and he relates the circumstance in these words: “This is the portion of the beautiful work which I have saved from a voyage to the United States, whither it was to be transferred. Not without much labor this heavy stone had been transported to the river which flows through the ruins, and there I confiscated it by order of the governor of Chiapas; there I also drew it. Ten years later, Stephens and * Stephens: Central America, ete., vol. ii, p. 846. + Morelet: Travels etc., p. 98. 4 26 THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. Catherwood found it in the same place. In 1832 there remained (in the temple) only the stones forming the left and right sides of the relief, and in 1842* Stephens found only that constituting the left side.”’+ If, indeed, M. Waldeck saw, in 1832, the right slab in its proper place—which I doubt, ascribing his statement to a misconception on his part—it is really surprising that he neglected to draw it, conscious as he was of the important character of the sculpture. His large and well-executed double plate{ shows only the middle slab and that joining it on the left. Stephens and Catherwood, in fact, found the middle stone in the same place where Waldeck had drawn it; but Stephens as well as Charnay ascribe its removal from the sanctuary to a different agency. ‘That on the left,” says Mr. Stephens, ‘ig still in its place. The middle one has been removed and carried down the side of the structure, and lies now near the bank of the stream. It was removed many years ago by one of the inhabitants of the village, with the intention of carrying it to his house; but, after great labor, with no other instruments than the arms and hands of Indians, and poles cut from trees, it had advanced so far, when its removal was arrested by an order from the government forbidding any farther abstraction from the ruins. We found it lying on its back near the banks of the stream, washed by many floods of the rainy season, and covered with a thick coat of dirtand moss. We had it scrubbed and propped up, and probably the next traveler will find it with the same props under it, which we placed there. In the engraving it is given in its original position on the wall. The stone on the right is broken, and, unfortunately, altogether destroyed ; most of the fragments have disappeared ; but, from the few we found among the ruins in the front of the building, there is no doubt that it contained ranges of hieroglyphics corresponding in general appearance with those of the stone on the left.” The right slab, we thus learn, was, though in a fragmentary state, still at Palenque in 1840, when Mr. Stephens explored the ruins. He might have collected and united the pieces, and drawn them; but the shortness of his sojourn doubtless prevented him from hunting for fragments, while there were so many other objects of more prominent interest to be illustrated by pen and pencil. The slab in question, I imagine, was broken in the process of removing the central piece, which, indeed, hardly could have been detached without the preliminary displacement of one of the lateral tablets. The fragments, as we have seen, were brought to the United States not long after Stephens’s explora- tion of Palenque. * Should be 1840, + Waldeck: Description des Ruines etc., p. vit, in: Monuments Anciens eto. { xxi and xxii in: Monuments Anciens etc. § Stephens: Central America, ete.; vol. ii, p. 845. THE TEMPLE OF THE CROSS. 27 It has been mentioned that M. Charnay’s atlas contains only four photo- graphs from Palenque, one of which represents the central piece of the Group of the Cross. He found the slab, probably not, as Mr. Stephens anticipated, with the props still under it, but doubtless on the same spot where the American explorer had caused it to be drawn. “Torn from its original place,” says Charnay, “ by a fanatic who saw in it a reproduction of the Christian emblem, miraculously employed by the ancient inhabitants of these palaces, it was designed to ornament the house of a rich widow in the village of Palenque; but the authorities were aroused by this devastation, and prohibited the removal of the stone: it was consequently left in the wood, where I unconsciously trod on it, until my guide directed my attention to this precious piece. It was covered with moss, and the sculptures had become totally invisible. When I afterward concluded to reproduce it, it had to be rubbed with brushes, washed, and set against a tree. “The bas-relief represents a cross, surmounted by a bird of fantastic shape, to which a standing person, of perfectly pure design, offers a child extended on his arms; an inscription composed of five characters is seen near the head of the figure; four other characters of the same kind are placed near the lower sides of the cross.