The tripod plate below provides a good example of the primary standard sequence. Combinations of these signs produce a variety of messages, which today can be partially read. The texts written along the upper rim of ceramic vessels many times correspond to a formula known as the "primary standard sequence," which refers to the object itself, indicating the owner's name, and sometimes the name of the artist. The presence of individual artists' names is an extraordinary feature of Maya art rarely seen in ancient artistic traditions.
On the tripod plate below, the inscription forms a circle along the inner rim. Originally the center of the plate featured the profile of a human head wearing a headdress, which has largely eroded as a result of the plate being used to serve food. The inscription is written in red with the bold, clear outlines of an expert scribe.
Plate with Hieroglyphic Inscription Northern Lowlands
Late Classic
(600 - 900 A.D.)
Height 11 cm; Diameter 40 cm.
Interpretation of the hieroglyphic text
Introductory phrase
a-ALAY (?)
?
yi-chi
Alay (?)
?
yich
“Here is presented, its surface ”
There are still some uncertain elements in terms of how to read the introductory phrase. The second block may mean, "elevate, "present" or "dedicate," but the exact reading is unknown.
Artist's Signature
u
ts'i-b'a
li/-IL
na
u ts'ihbil naj(?)
“ His painting/writing ”
In many cases this phrase is followed by the name of the artist who painted the object. The syllable na at the end is usually combined with the syllable ja, to form the verbal ending - naj. In this case that ending, as well as the name of the artist have been omitted. It is possible that the personal name that appears at the end of the text indicates the owner of the plate is the artist himself.
Object designation
u-la
ka
u lak
“ His plate ”
The final phrase is a mark of ownership that designates the piece itself, followed immediately by the owner's name.
Personal name
JOL/CHAM
ch´o
ko
Jol Ch'ok/Cham Ch'ok
"young skull or "young death"
The word ch'ok means young, and is an adjective frequently used with individual names. The name of the owner of this plate appears to have been "young skull."
The complete inscription could be paraphrased like this:
Alay ? yich u ts'ihbil naj u lak Jol Ch'ok.
Here is presented ? its surface, his plate painting, of Jol (?) Ch'ok.
