Studies in Maya Hieroglyphics

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Focusing on parentage statements in Maya inscriptions, this study analyzes 295 monuments and objects, providing phonetic transcriptions and mapping their usage over time. It introduces the "Winged Capped Ajaw Death Phrase," linking it to parental death, and explores paired stelae as another form of parentage documentation. The research tests three hypotheses regarding the use of these statements—ancestor worship, political legitimacy, and heir designation—illustrating their strengths and weaknesses through case studies. Appendices offer source material for the analyzed sites.