Things began happening fast in the 1960s and 1970s. A corpus of Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions was being created, building on the photographs of Maudslay and Maler, augmented by discovery of more panels covered with glyphs in the Palenque Palace and Cross Group. The Peabody Museum at Harvard University sent Ian Graham to record all the glyphs carved on stone wherever they may be, using photographs and same-scale drawings. Done with uniform drafting standards, this guaranteed an impeccable source for epigraphic and iconographic analysis.
All this set the stage for the Mesas Redondas of Palenque.
On a hot August afternoon in 1973, a small group of North American “Palencophiles” gathered on the back porch of thatched roof house in Palenque town. The home of Merle Greene Robertson and her husband Bob had become a Mecca for foreign archeologists and Mayanists, and a few were always stopping by during the season. Merle was an artist who was enamored by Palenque. She gained permission from INAH to make impressions of the site’s sculptures and reliefs before these deteriorated more. Over 10 years, she made photographs, drawings and rubbings that surpassed Maudslay’s in detail and accuracy.
Chatting about Palenque in the shady pavilion were Gillett Griffin, Curator of Pre-Columbian Art at Princeton, Linda Schele and her husband David, and David Joralemon from Yale in addition to Merle and Bob Robertson. Griffin suggested a “round table” on Palenque bringing together interdisciplinary experts to examine the art, iconography and hieroglyphic inscriptions. All were in agreement, and soon invitations were sent out to the Primera (First) Mesa Redonda in December 1973.
The meetings were held at the motel and restaurant of Moises Morales, a northern Mexican fluent in four languages and connected with the Lacandon Mayas. Present were 23 North American and five Mexican scholars, plus eight students. For a week, this group focused on Palenque, moving back and forth between the motel and the ruins. When questions arose about details of sculptures or inscriptions, or to test ideas that came up in discussion, they could immediately visit the ruins and check things out. In addition, they had the art of Merle and a notebook recording all the published Palenque texts and their dates brought by Peter Mathews, a student of David Kelley. Kelley was invited but could not attend.
Linda Schele was an artist from Tennessee with a brusque style and thick accent. She fell in love with Palenque on her first visit and became friends with Merle. Although she didn’t complete degrees in archeology until later in life, Linda became a leader in translating Maya glyphs. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Floyd Lounsbury was a linguist who mastered Amerindian languages, including impossibly complex Oneida. Also trained in mathematics and anthropology, he took up Maya glyphs as a hobby after reading the work of Knorosov. He was convinced the glyphs reproduced speech. He learned Yukatec and Chortí Mayan as well as ancient Cholan, the language used by Classic Maya scribes. Agreeing with Knorosov, he emphasized that Mayan script fit perfectly with other early scripts in the rest of the world.
George Stuart came as a neophyte; he became a major researcher of Palenque as his archeological career unfolded. He brought his family, including his eight-year-old son David Stuart who found Palenque “the place” for exciting archeology. David also focused his archeological research on Palenque and made important contributions to later Mesas Redondas. George was acquainted with Alberto Ruz and regretted his absence at that first meeting, but knew Ruz resented this group of foreign enthusiasts descending on the place to which he devoted his career.
The crowning achievement of the Primera Mesa Redonda was the decipherment of Palenque’s “king list.” Linda Schele wanted to work on identifying rulers at Palenque, and Peter Mathews and Floyd Lounsbury joined her in the library at Merle’s house. The three of them sparked an intellectual chemistry. Working on the kitchen table with Peter’s notebook and mathematical formulas Floyd had created to obtain Long Count dates from the Calendar Round used at Palenque, they examined copies of the inscriptions from Pakal’s sarcophagus. First they identified a royal prefix that they read “makina” or Great Sun (now translated as K’inich). This pointed them toward the ruler’s name glyph that followed. The next glyphs would be titles and include the Emblem Glyph. From Floyd’s knowledge of linguistics, they knew a verb would come next and after that, the subject of the sentence.
The three constructed a provisional list of rulers with dates. But what to call them? Looking at the logograph, they assigned names depending on how the glyph appeared. The first ruler they called “Shield,” the next “Snake Jaguar” and so on. It took three and a half hours to reconstruct the second half of the Palenque ruling dynasty.
That evening the three mesmerized other participants with their presentation, nothing less than the ruling history of Palenque from the Late Classic period in the early 7th Century through the end of the lineage. The lives of six successive kings were laid out, from birth to accession to death. It was the most complete king list for any Maya site to date.
The king called “Shield” was the mighty ruler whose burial chamber lay deep inside the Temple of the Inscriptions. Ruz called him “8 Ahau.” Shortly after the Mesa Redonda ended, David Kelley and Michael Coe both came upon phonetic versions of his name glyph, which, following Knorosov’s system was pronounced pa-ca-l(a). The “a” is silent, so it was pronounced Pakal. From his birth and death dates, they determined that he lived for 80 years.
In spring 1974, a group met at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C. and persisted in completing the Palenque king list. Linda Schele, Peter Mathews, Floyd Lounsbury, Merle Robertson and David Kelley were almost “in a state of trance” as they deciphered some key glyphs related to lineage. Within three-and-a-half hours they identified the names and reconstructed the lives of the first half of the dynasty.
“Franci! What are you doing?”
Startled, I looked up and saw Sonia standing in the door, hands on hips.
“You don’t have time for reading, we have to get out of here by two o’clock.”
“What time is it?” I asked lamely, shutting my book.
“One-thirty so get going. Here, I’ll help with your things.”
We scurried around shoving clothes and toiletries into bags, and boxing up the last books. Hoisting as much as we could carry, we hurried to the parking area where vans were waiting to take us to our busses in town. A couple of trips completed the task. With hugs all around and teary eyes, the team mingled and bid each other farewell, or as we like to say hasta luego – until later.
It’s a long bus ride from Palenque town to Villahermosa where we catch flights that will disperse us all around Mexico. Sonia and I are on the same flight to Mexico City, returning to the same university, now as good friends. But the others I may never see again, though we all vowed to come back to Palenque.
Deciphering the glyphs. They say that we’ve cracked the Maya code and can read 80% of the symbols. I’m not so sure that we fully understand their meanings. The ancient Mayas led a multi-dimensional existence and viewed their world in a very different way than we do with our western minds. Maybe I need to plummet into the depths of Maya thinking. Wasn’t that something my father talked about? And might not my grandmother be saying the same thing, in her odd way?
The glyphs are the key to understanding the ancient Mayas. Through the glyphs they speak to us. The inscriptions on Pakal’s sarcophagus and the hieroglyphic panels in his Temple unfolded the history of Palenque’s ruling dynasty. These inscriptions include names of the queens in Pakal’s lineage.
But what about our new discovery, the tomb of the Red Queen?
There are no glyphs on the sarcophagus or chamber walls of the Red Queen’s tomb. She keeps her identity hidden, as if teasing us. How will we know for sure which queen is buried in the Temple next to Pakal? If only I had the abilities of a shaman, I could journey to other dimensions, to that ancient Mayan world, and see for myself.
A Sneak Peek into Book III of the Mists of Palenque Series
The Mayan Red Queen: Tz’aakb’u Ahau
of Palenque
Mists of Palenque Series Book III
The saga of four remarkable queens who shaped ancient Maya destiny continues with the wife of Janaab Pakal, new ruler of Lakam Ha and the son of Sak K’uk. Lalak is a shy and homely young woman who relates better to animals than people, living in a small neighboring city. Because of her pristine lineage back to the founding ancestors of the B’aakal dynasty, she is chosen as wife for Pakal. She is overwhelmed by the sophisticated and complex society at the polity's dominant city and the expectations of the royal court. Her mother-in-law Sak K’uk chose Lalak for selfish motives, determined to find a wife who would not displace her in Pakal’s affections. She viewed Lalak as a breeder of future rulers and selected her regal name, Tz’aakb’u Ahau – Accumulator of Lords – to reflect this. As the naïve royal consort struggles to learn her new role and prove her worth, Sak K’uk provides little help. Lalak faces challenges in her relationship with Pakal, because he is enamored of a beautiful woman who was banished from Lakam Ha. Pakal’s esthetic sensibilities and love for beauty set up obstacles in their marriage. Lalak, however, is fated to play a pivotal role in Pakal’s mission to restore the spiritual portal to the Triad Gods that was destroyed in a devastating attack by archenemy Kan. Through their sacred union the immense creative force necessary to rebuild the portal could be released, but Pakal must come to view his wife in a new light. She soon flowered into a woman of poise and power, established her place in court, and bore Pakal four sons to assure dynastic succession. Her dedication supported him in a renaissance of building, art and science that transformed Lakam Ha into the most widely sought creative center in the Classic Maya world.
The Mayan Red Queen: Tz’aakb’u Ahau of Palenque
Mists of Palenque Series – Book III
Tz’aakb’u Ahau – I
Baktun 9 Katun 9 Tun 9 –
Baktun 9 Katun 9 Tun 12
622 CE – 625 CE
1
The messenger bowed deeply, clasping his shoulder and dropping to his knees. Head bowed, he waited below the raised platform in the reception chamber of the royal couple. All eyes were fixed on him and his sense of importance swelled. The mission entrusted to him was of utmost importance. It concerned nothing less than the future of the Lakam Ha dynasty. Now he brought his report to his patrons and the atmosphere of the palace chamber quivered with anticipation.
“Welcome, Worthy Messenger Budz Ek.” Kan Mo Hix spoke first. “Come forward and sit before us. We are pleased you have returned safely.”
“Indeed your journey has been swift,” said Sak K’uk. “You are rightly named, for you travel as quickly as your namesake, Smoking Star-Comet.”
Budz Ek smiled at the compliment and edged forward on his knees to take a position on the woven mat set in front of the platform. He was apprehensive, however, because he feared the royal couple would not be pleased with his messages. It was a risk faced by all messengers. Their powerful patrons often unleashed a barrage of fury upon the hapless bringers of bad news, though mostly this was an onslaught of words and not the thrust of a knife. He knew the ruling family of Lakam Ha would not resort to violence, but to be in disfavor would affect his status.
“Speak now of your visit to B’aak, we are ready to hear what you have seen and learned.” Sak K’uk waved a hand sign, ordering attendants to bring refreshments.
The royal couple, parents of K’inich Janaab Pakal, the youthful ruler of Lakam Ha and the B’aakal Polity, was dressed in moderate finery. Sak K’uk wore a white huipil with blue and gold embroidery at the neckline and hem, several strings of alabaster beads, dangling alabaster earspools, and a small headdress of blue and yellow feathers set in bands of silver disks. Kan Mo Hix was bare-chested with a short, skirted loincloth of colorful stripes. His pectoral pendant displayed the face of K’in Ahau-Lord Sun; from his ears hung jade earspools and surrounding his wrists were worked copper cuffs. On his elongated skull perched a tall white cylindrical cap topped with a ceramic macaw-mo, his namesake.
The messenger was simply attired in a white loincloth with red waistband. A short cape was loosely tied over his shoulders, and a red headband kept his long black hair away from his face. This was typical attire for those who ran between cities, bringing news, seeking information and delivering communications. He arrived at the palace in the early morning, having rested a short distance from the city the evening before. This allowed him to appear at court refreshed and in clean attire. His years of experience taught him the wisdom of preparing well for reports to royal patrons. Arriving breathless and sweaty in the heat of midday did not create a suitable scenario.
Before speaking, Budz Ek sat up straight and glanced around the reception chamber. A small audience was present, including the steward Muk Kab, K’akmo the Nakom-warrior chief, the royal scribe K’anal, and two trusted courtiers who were distant cousins of the ruler’s mother. The only other woman in the group was Zazil, the primary noble attendant to Sak K’uk. It was a select group, the messenger noted, so his information was meant for only certain ears.
It struck him as odd that the ruler, the Holy B’aakal Lord – K’uhul B’aakal Ahau – was not there. Surely the report pertained most of all to him. But, this was not the messenger’s business. Turning to the royal couple, he began his report.
“It takes two days of travel, as you know, to journey from Lakam Ha to B’aak. Travel on the Michol River went easily, thanks to our skillful canoe paddlers. More difficulties arose once we left the river and climbed through jungle-covered hills toward our destination. The path is not as well maintained as would be expected, since the river is their main source for trade goods. It is said among traders who I encountered along the path that B’aak has declined in prosperity. The ahauob of B’aak buy fewer luxury items such as red spondylus shells, carved jade, quetzal feathers, and fine obsidian for blades. In the city, while mingling among ahauob-nobles and craftsmen in the market, I heard mention of several difficult years when crops were less productive. Rumors circulated that B’aak leadership was faltering during this time.
“The B’aak ruler, Ik’ Muuy Muwaan was apparently fending off internal dissension and a plot to overthrow his dynasty. His ambitious younger brother recruited a cadre of ahauob and warriors, leading to several years of intermittent clashes, often taking place in cornfields and trampling other crops as well. In between skirmishes, the insurgents would hide out in the jungles, re-grouping for more raids. Only two years ago was the rightful ruler able to suppress this group, when the younger brother was killed in battle. Since then, the ruler has re-established leadership, banished the traitors and is slowly bringing fields back to fertility. This history I confirmed with the calendar priests of the city.
“The day after my arrival I was received at the ruler’s court. There I presented your gifts of cacao, fine woven cloth, and pom-copal incense. These were received with much enthusiasm, and extravagant inquiries were made into the health of your royal family and our young K’uhul B’aakal Ahau.”
“For the concern of Ik’ Muuy Muwaan, we are grateful,” interjected Sak K’uk. She was impatient for the messenger to arrive at the purpose of his visit. “What said he to your inquiries about his daughter?”
“Of this, he was most pleased. To have his daughter considered as royal consort for your son was beyond his imagining. He was eager to bring the girl for my viewing, and her mother to extol her virtues. The visit was arranged for that very afternoon.”
“Not surprising that Ik’ Muuy Muwaan leapt at the chance to wed his daughter to the ruler of Lakam Ha,” muttered Kan Mo Hix under his breath. Only Sak K’uk could hear him. “He is already counting the marriage gifts we will give him.”
Budz Ek looked quizzically at the royal couple, observing the murmurings.
“Honored Messenger, do continue,” Sak K’uk said, frowning at her husband. “We wish to hear your observations of the girl.”
The messenger felt heat rising along his neck and face, and hoped he would
not sweat profusely. It was not due to rising morning temperature, for inside the chamber the air was cool and fresh. He knew the flush was caused by worry over what he was about to say. Sucking air in through nearly closed lips, he tried to cool himself and maintain composure as he continued his report.
“Her mother and attendant brought her to the reception chamber. First came lengthy descriptions of her character and abilities. Lady Lalak is, by their words, a young woman of pleasant and quiet character, who treats all kindly and is well loved by her city’s people. She is skilled in weaving and makes delicate cloth that has no match. She paints lovely patterns on ceramic bowls with a true artistic flair. Her voice is sweet and clear when she sings, her form graceful and sure-footed when she dances. Children flock to her and she entertains them with clever stories. In conversation, she speaks with a courtly flourish and can address many topics. In particular she is knowledgeable about the animals and plants of the area. It seems she creates special relationships with animals and has several wild ones as pets.”
“Excellent attributes, if these are all to be believed.” Sak K’uk doubted everything was true, but such praise was only expected when proffering a daughter as a royal bride. Her real interest was revealed by her next question.
“And of her appearance? Tell me not the words of her parents, but your own observations. Is she beautiful?”
Budz Ek hesitated, for this was the exact question he wished to avoid. The intense stare Sak K’uk gave him made it clear that avoidance was impossible.
“Holy Lady, this I must answer honestly although it pains me. The daughter of Ik’ Muuy Muwaan has a sweet and gentle presence, and spoke well when questioned. But she is not a beauty according to standards of our art. She is large-boned and, well, rather rounded of body. Her skin is deep brown color, her hair thick and lustrous. She has the elongated skull that signifies nobility of the true blood, and her nose line is straight as a blade.”
The Controversial Mayan Queen: Sak K'uk of Palenque (The Mists of Palenque) Page 27