A Syllabic Sign for [pe] in the Classic Maya Inscriptions

Resumen

The paper is dedicated to the phonetic decipherment of the “Rabbit Head” sign in Maya hieroglyphic writing. It is possible to establish its reading value pe thanks to two observations – the sign is optionally combined with the syllable ‘e in the name of La Mar kingdom and bears resemblance to Diego de Landa’s sign for the letter “p”. This syllabic value pe results in the reading of La Mar as pe[pe]’tuun and identification of two verbal roots: pek- “to summon, call up” and kop- “to roll up, coil”. The former one is used to describe convocation of the vassals before the king and to invoke gods. The word ‘u-kope‘m “his rolled-up one” is used as a term for “bloodletting rope”, also as part of a metaphorical “father’s child” parentage statement.