a vase with a quadriform
emblem, and a monstrous head. Its branches are composed of
conventionalized maize plants on which human heads and faces occupy the
places of the corn-cobs whilst their hanging hair simulates the tassels of
the ripe corn. The maize-leaves are decorated with groups of seed-like
beads amongst which distinct representations of maize seeds are
discernible. These form, indeed, the leading motif of the seed decorations
and indicate that the "appendages" to the groups of seed-like beads on the
Copan swastika were but conventionalized maize-seeds. The branches of the
maize-tree are surmounted by a conventionally ornamented head from which
hangs a necklace of beads with a medallion consisting of a face surrounded
by a beaded frame. Above the head the totemic quetzal bird is repeated
under almost precisely the same form but in a reversed position. It is
interesting to note that the Maya name for maize is ixim, which added to
the che=tree, yields ixim-che, a word which actually occurs as the local
name of the ancient capital of Guatemala, named "Iximche-tecpan." To this
curious fact should be also added that "ix" is the prefix employed to
designate the feminine gender and that Ix-chel is "the name of the Maya
goddess of medicine and of child-birth."

An extremely interesting composite symbol is carved under the feet of the
personage standing next to the "maize-tree," to the right of the
spectator. It consists of the realistically carved large convolute
sea-shell such as constituted the Mexican symbol of parturition. An almost
grotesque human figure is represented as issuing from it and holding in
its hand a maize plant which bends upwards and curves over the shell. Its
leaves are drawn with maize-seeds on and amongst them, in the same
conventional way that has been noticed on the central tree, and human
heads again simulate the corn-cob. An acquaintance with Mexican and Zuni
symbolism enables us to grasp the significance of this composite symbol
which figuratively expresses the common birth and growth of the substance
of plant and human life. The personage who stands over this symbol, facing
the tree and the tail of the bird which surmounts it, holds a curiously
decorated emblem in his hand, of which more anon. A small twig bearing
three terminal leaves issues from his head. Behind him are 4 perpendicular
columns with 17 glyphs in each; whilst a detached series, consisting of 13
smaller glyphs, is carved in