mat_ symbol, _l_ as a prominent
element. In the form shown at LXV, 33, it would seem that we see an
effort to intimate by the character itself the presence of the _b_
element. That the symbol shown in plate LXV, 38, has _b_ as its chief
element is shown elsewhere. It is possible, therefore, that this _Lamat_
symbol had no original signification purely its own, but that it is a
composite derived from the _Ahau_, and what I have termed the _b_
symbol. Without anticipating the proof that the _Ahau_ symbol has _l_ as
its chief phonetic element, I call attention to the fact that it is the
upper character in the symbol for _likin_, "east" (plate LXVIII, 12). As
the lower character is the well-known symbol for _kin_, "day" or "sun,"
we must assume that the value of our _Ahau_, in this case at least, is
_li_. As another suggestion, I would add that it may have been derived
from a figure used in some game. As the figure is usually divided into
apartments or cells, most of which inclose a dot, the Maya word _lem_,
_lemah_, "meter, encajar, poner dentro, introducir" (Perez), would not
inappropriately express the idea. Its use as a day symbol would then be
simply for its phonetic value. This is based, of course, on the
derivation. I suggest below. Nevertheless it must be admitted that these
are but mere guesses.

In his article so frequently referred to Dr Seler has little to say in
regard to the signification of the names of this day. He remarks that
"the word _kanel_ is given by Ximenes--with what authority I know
not--with the signification 'rabbit,' thus corresponding to the Mexican
name for this character (Tochtli)." He says he is unable to interpret
the words _lambat_ and _lamat_. In his subsequent article he interprets
the Zapotec word by "to divide, to break into pieces," and remarks "that
the concept of something divided, broken in pieces, lies at the
foundation of the delineation of this day character is also proved by
the Maya hieroglyph for the same [see plate LXV, 33 and 36], in which
something divided or broken up is undoubtedly indicated." He adds that
"perhaps also the terms _lambat_ and _lamat_, used in Tzental-Zoztzil
and in Maya for the day character, and which are hardly explainable from
the well-known Maya, are derived from the Zapotec word _lapa_." Dr
Brinton's explanation is as follows:

The Maya _lamat_ is evidently a shortened form of the Tzental
_lambat_, which is composed of _lam_, to sink into