The Annals of the Cakchiquels | Page 4

mythical history.
This will be obvious from the references to them in the pages of their
Annals.
These chants and dances were accompanied by the monotonous beating
of the native drum, tun, by the shrill sound of reed flutes, xul, by the
tinkling of small metal bells, [c]alakan, which they attached to their
feet, and by rattles of small gourds or jars containing pebbles, known as
zoch. Other musical instruments mentioned, are the chanal, the whistle
(pito, Dicc. Anon.), and tzuy, the marimba, or something like it.
These nations were warlike, and were well provided with offensive and
defensive weapons. The Spanish writers speak of them as skilled
archers, rude antagonists, but not poisoning their weapons.[17-2]
Besides the bow and arrow, [c]ha, they used a lance, achcayupil,[18-1]
and especially the blow-pipe, pub, a potent weapon in the hands of an
expert, the knowledge of which was widely extended over tropical
America. Their arrow points were of stone, especially obsidian, bone
and metal. Other weapons were the wooden war club, [c]haibalche; the
sling, ica[t]; the hand-axe, i[t]ah, etc.
For defense, they carried a species of buckler, pocob, and a round
shield called çeteçic chee, "the circular wood." Over the body they
wore a heavy, quilted cotton doublet, the xakpota, which was an
efficient protection.
They may all be said to have been in the "stone age," as the weapons
and utensils were mostly of stone. The obsidian, which was easily

obtained in that country, offered an admirable resource for the
manufacture of knives, arrow heads, awls, and the like. It was called
chay abah, and, as we shall see on a later page, was surrounded with
sacred associations.
The most esteemed precious stones were the [c]ual, translated
"diamond," and the xit, which was the impure jade or green stone, so
much the favorite with the nations of Mexico and Central America. It is
frequently mentioned in the Annals of Xahila, among the articles of
greatest value.
Engraving both on stone and wood, was a prized art. The word to
express it was [c]otoh, and engraved articles are referred to as
[c]otonic.
Although stone and wood were the principal materials on which they
depended for their manufactures, they were well acquainted with
several metals. Gold and silver were classed under the general name
puvak, and distinguished as white and yellow; iron and copper were
both known as [c]hi[c]h, and distinguished also by their color. The
metals formed an important element of their riches, and are constantly
referred to as part of the tribute paid to the rulers. They were worked
into ornaments, and employed in a variety of decorative manners.
The form of government of the four nations of whom I am speaking
approached that of a limited monarchy. There was a head chief, who
may as well be called a king, deriving his position and power through
his birth, whose authority was checked by a council of the most
influential of his subjects. The details of this general scheme were not
the same at all periods, nor in all the states; but its outlines differed
little.
Among the Cakchiquels, who interest us at present, the regal power
was equally divided between two families, the Zotzils and the Xahils;
not that there were two kings at the same time, as some have supposed,
but that the throne was occupied by a member of these families
alternately, the head of the other being meanwhile heir-apparent.[19-1]
These chiefs were called the Ahpo-Zotzil and the Ahpo-Xahil; and their

eldest sons were entitled Ahpop-[c]amahay and Galel Xahil,
respectively, terms which will shortly be explained.
The ceremonial distinction established between the ruler and those
nearest him in rank, was indicated by the number of canopies under
which they sat. The ruler himself was shaded by three, of graded sizes,
the uppermost being the largest. The heir-apparent was privileged to
support two, and the third from the king but one. These canopies were
elaborately worked in the beautiful feathers of the quetzal, and other
brilliant birds, and bore the name of muh, literally "shade" or "shadow,"
but which metaphorically came to mean royal dignity or state, and also
protection, guardianship.[20-1]
The seat or throne on which he sat was called tem, [c]hacat, and
[t]alibal, and these words are frequently employed to designate the
Supreme Power.
The ceremonies connected with the installation of a king or head chief,
are described in an interesting passage of the Annals, Sec. 41: "He was
bathed by the attendants in a large painted vessel; he was clad in
flowing robes; a sacred girdle or fillet was tied upon him; he was
painted with the holy colors, was anointed, and jewels were placed
upon his person." Such considerable solemnities point to the fact that
these people were on a much higher plane of social life than