d species:
Sea-lizard, alligator (?), ixbaan; lizard in general=ix-mech, or mech,
ix-be-bech, ixzeluoh and ix-tulub. Obviously occupying positions of less
honor there are 2x2=4 chiefs of equal rank but seated, respectively, on
the right and left hind legs of the totem. These again are evidently
equivalent to the four sub-rulers of Mexico and Yucatan, the Maya Bacabs
or Chacs.

Lastly, the twenty different figures, connected with particular glyphs,
are equivalent to the division of the tribe into as many portions, minus
the head. The eight glyphs associated with this added to the twelve
glyph-figures, complete the numeric organization into twenty. From this
monument, the sides of which were probably painted, originally, in four
colors, it would seem that the alligator clan, ruled by two chiefs and
four lesser rulers, was organized into twelve divisions of people and
eight classes of another kind. A circular tablet at Quirigua, which I
shall describe further on, exhibits a subdivision into 2x6=12+5+3=20.

It is not necessary to emphasize how remarkably the Copan altar conforms
to the Zuni method of clan-organization. It suffices for my present
purpose merely to establish the community of thought which existed
throughout, but which found its highest artistic expression and
development in Central America.

There are several other smaller carved monoliths, one of which usually
lies in front of a stela. For this reason they have been popularly named
"altars," just as the stelae have been called "idols." The majority of
these "altars" contradict this appellation by their utterly unsuitable
shapes and profuse carvings on their upper, often irregular, rounded
surfaces. Some of these monoliths consist of a monstrous head, the shape
of which is almost lost under an indescribable mass of ornamentation. In
some cases, however, they recall the semblance of the large glyphs on
which chieftains are represented as seated on the carved sides of the
square monoliths just described. So strongly do some of these resemble
certain forms, that I venture to express my belief that, on ceremonial
occasions, these carved heads may have served as the seats or stools of
honor for chieftains of the rank of those portrayed on the bas-reliefs.
The Maya word tem, the plural form for which is tetem, seems to be
applicable to such totemistic carved stones. It is translated as stone
altar, seat or bench (_cf._ Nahuatl word te-tl=stone). Other minor
mono