|
For example, on the Palenque Tablet of the Cross, the young Kan B'alam stands on such a place name while performing a pre-accession event at a cave associated with the birth of the sky deity nicknamed GI. This place name is composed of a skeletal zoomorph with a split-open head that has stylized footprints emerging from it, that is, it represents a cave of origin or pilgrimage. In the Maya calendar, the Long Count calculations were divided into units of 360 days called tuns. Major ceremonies were performed at the end of every k'atun (20 tuns) but the Maya also conducted significant rituals at the end of the fifth, tenth, thirteenth and fifteenth tun. All such Period Endings occurred on days that were named Ajaw. In Maya inscriptions, Ajaw dates without other calendar information invariably refer to Period Endings. Period Endings on the 9 Ajaw date of the Jolja' scene occurred three times during the first part of the Early Classic Period: |
|
|
8.13.0.0.0 9 Ajaw 3 Sak (Dec 14, A.D. 297) 8.13.13.0.0 9 Ajaw 18 Yaxk'in (Oct 8, A.D. 310) 8.19.10.0.0 9 Ajaw 3 Muwan (Feb 1, A.D. 426) |
|
The early style of the scene indicates that the most likely date is either
the 8.13.0.0.0 k'atun ending or the 8.13.13.0.0 tun ending. Below the scene is
a narrow passageway leading to a small chamber. The chamber contains three
modern wooden crosses before which the elders from Tumbala perform the Day of
the Cross and rain ceremonies. The placement of the wall mural suggests that
the Classic Maya also utilized this small chamber. It is highly probable that
the intent of the Jolja' Cave scene was to illustrate the Period Ending
ceremony that was performed within this chamber. The kawak monster sign
likely represents the ancient name of Jolja' Cave.
|