[Aztlan] glyph decipherment

[famsi at famsi.org]

Ah yes - indeed "a picture may be worth a thousand words".
In the case of Maya glyph decipherment, the hieroglyphic compound [the 
"picture"] may be worth several syllables.  That is, Maya glyphs are often 
composed of a main glyphic sign, having one syllabic value. That main 
glyphic sign may also be surrounded by affixes, each having its own syllabic 
value. Together, such combinations of syllabic signs convey words - in the 
same way that specific combinations of syllabic signs of an alphabet convey 
words.

For those newly intrigued by ancient Maya hieroglyphic writing, may I 
suggest three basic descriptions of ancient Maya hieroglyphic signs:

1. A Brief Note for Beginners 
http://www.famsi.org/mayawriting/dictionary/montgomery/note.htm

2. Peter Mathews' Description of J.E.S. Thompson's Catalog of Maya 
Hieroglyphic Signs
http://www.famsi.org/mayawriting/dictionary/montgomery/thompson.htm

3. Thompson's Drawings of Hundreds of Maya Glyphic Signs
http://www.famsi.org/mayawriting/thompson/index.html



Sandra Noble
Executive Director, FAMSI
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc.
www.famsi.org