ndals. All these names mean "feathered snake," "bird snake."
Now, in the above mentioned section of the Dresden manuscript, pp.
29-43, there is found on page 36, middle, the representation of a
bird and a snake, the two symbols of the god Kukulcan, which, at the
same time, denote his name in the manner of a rebus. That this
representation is to be referred to the god with the snake's tongue
is rendered probable on the one hand by the fact that this whole
section treats of him and is proved on the other hand by the
circumstance that in the same place the same snake is found
represented with the head of the god; thus, page 35, middle, and 36,
above. In the same way this snake with the god's head is also found
in the Codex Cortesianus, page 10, middle, a passage which is
rendered notable also by the fact that in the writing above the
picture there is expressly found as a second sign the name
hieroglyph of the god.

[Illustration: No. 36. _a_ _b_]

_Cimi_ (?). Supposed symbols of the god of death. Occurring very
frequently in all the codices, but with several variations (see
Figs. 383 and 384).

These are given chiefly on the authority of Drs. Foerstemann and
Schellhas, as I have some doubt in reference to this conclusion, for
reasons which will here be given.

[Illustration: FIG. 383. The supposed god of death, from the Dresden
Codex.]

[Illustration: FIG. 384. The supposed god of death, from the Troano
Codex.]

As Dr. Schellhas remarks, this is "the most characteristic and most
easily recognized deity of the Maya Codices"; but this statement will not
apply to the symbols, as the variations are such as to render it
exceedingly doubtful whether precisely the same idea is embodied in each.
Even the two forms here given, both of which are found in all the codices
and often together, present variations too marked for us to believe,
except upon strong evidence, that they represent the same thing. Nor do
the figures of this deity or supposed deity appear to embody throughout
the same idea. In fact, they leave us in doubt as to whether any one
recognized deity is to be understood. Was there in the Maya pantheon such
a deity as the god of death? I have so far been unable to find any
satisfactory reason for answering this question in the affirmative.

In the first part of the Dresden Codex, which is devoted, in part at
least, if not chiefly,