Indexing Classic Mayan, Part 1

Abstract

The Classic Mayan language was written for approximately 2,000 years, from 300 bce until around 1700 ce in the Colonial period, but there is a lack of information on how to index names in any ancient Mesoamerican language. This series of articles aims to remedy that situation. In order to set Classic Mayan in context, an overview of contemporaneous hieroglyphic scripts is provided, followed by an exploration of the development and use of Classic Mayan from the Late Preclassic onward. An examination of its orthography focuses on those aspects that can affect indexing, including the Maya numbering system and calendrics. A future article will consider naming conventions, marriage and kinship patterns, and examples of Late Classic period inscriptions. Finally, useful reference material for the indexer working on Maya-related manuscripts will be provided.