[Illustration: FIG. 7.--Symbols of the cardinal points.]
As it is conceded by all who have discussed this subject, that _a_ and _c_ must be assigned to the east and west or equatorial points, the only dispute being as to which should be referred to the east and which to the west, it follows that the others must be referred to the polar points. As each one of the four areas or compartments contains one of these symbols--the top or upper compartment _a_, the left-hand _b_, the bottom _c_, and the right-hand _d_--we naturally infer that the other figures in these compartments have some reference to the cardinal points with which they are respectively associated.
I think that Rosny is correct in assuming that this plate places these symbols in their proper positions, and hence that if we can determine one with satisfactory certainty this will determine the rest. If their correct positions are given anywhere it would seem that it would be here, in what is evidently a general calendar table or possibly a calendar wheel.
I have already discussed the question of the assignment of the cardinal symbols to some extent in my former work,[14] and will take for granted that the reader is familiar with what is there stated.
That one of the two characters _a_ and _c_ (Fig. 7), denotes the _east_ or sunrise and the other _west_ or sunset, may, I think, be safely assumed from what is given in the work mentioned, and from the evidence presented by Rosny,[15] and Schultz-Sellack.[16] But which, east and which west is the rock on which the deductions have been, so far, split asunder; Rosny and Schultz-Sellack maintaining that _a_ is west and _c_ east, and I that _a_ is east and _c_ west. If we admit that they are correctly placed on this plate it necessitates the admission on my part that I have been incorrect in my reference of two of them. If _a_ is east then I have reversed those denoting north and south; if it is west, then I was correct as to those denoting north and south, but have reversed those indicating east and west.
Without at present stating the result of my re-examination of this subject I shall enter at once upon the discussion, leaving this to appear as we proceed.
It is well known that each of the dominical days or year-bearers (_Cuch-haab_, as they were termed by the Mayas), Kan, Muluc, Ix, and Cauac, was referred to one of the four cardinal points. Our first step, therefore, is to determine the points to which these days were respectively assigned.