Sisimito I--Ox Witz Ha

by Henry W. Anderson

  “Change, my Wi-k’an. They’re always difficulties with change. I see the need for change because I know that our people cannot carry on without change. But even I fear what the changes may bring. Perhaps, our Lineage will not be able to endure the changes themselves or what they bring. Who knows? But our people will survive. That’s a chance we’ll have to take. If we don’t change, if we don’t take that chance, our civilization will destroy itself. We, as a people, will definitely die.”

  “So, Nephew, should you succeed, our Lineage may be doomed in your success.”

  The Halach Uinic shook his head and blew air forcibly through his mouth. “Look at the prisoner. The woman. I am yet to know her name. Her skin is fair. Yes, it burns in the hot sun. I am told by the Ahau Can Mai to sacrifice her without knowing anything about her, not even finding out where she’s from. Could there be others like her … hundreds … thousands … that will one k’iin descend upon us? Will they come as achalals?” He shrugged his shoulders. “Will they come as conquerors, enslaving us, exterminating us from this place we know as home?” He stared at Molly, gravely. “Perhaps, my priests don’t want us to know that there are other realms outside of their control. Indeed, that would erode their power. Have you seen the cloth necklace Ke’kchi wears around his neck?” His Wi-k’an shook his head. “It carries an image I have not seen before. He says it is the image of the Ix Na Li Kawa.”

  The Batab drew away from the Halach Uinic’s arm, horror marking his face. “What blasphemy, Nephew! You should have had him killed, immediately. You should kill him now.”

  “Why, Wi-k’an? I do not think he lied. It only goes to show that other beliefs occur elsewhere. Perhaps, other gods. Our priests deny any thoughts about that, vehemently. Ke’kchi says he is from Pusilhá. Maybe, that is a lie. But he is one of us regardless of the clothes he wears, regardless of what he wears around his neck, regardless of how poorly his lej-xajäbs are made. Can it be that the Kingdoms in the East are experiencing change we know nothing about? Altun Ha? Nimli Punit? Lubaantun? Are there new thoughts rising in Chichén Itza to the far North, in Oxwitik285 to the far South, Palenque in the far West? Many times, changes are hidden and suppressed by those who fear them. I do not fear change. I announce change. I call for change with the loud beckoning summon of the töt286 trumpet brought back from the great sea in the East.” The Halach Uinic spread his arms. “Is this land all there is? Have you not thought, Chekaj K’inich, that beyond that same great sea in the East, there might be more land, more societies? Do they have our gods, our beliefs? Are there other gods? Other beliefs?”

  “Let’s not delve too far, at this time, my Ajawinel. We are at war. To win, we must be united. Nephew, if you discuss those thoughts … spread those heresies, your priests will lead an open revolt against you. You must not allow that to happen or you will condemn our Lineage.” The Batab stared hauntingly at his nephew. “The priests are even saying that the gods are angry with you and that’s why you do not have a son to carry on our Lineage.”

  The Halach Uinic reddened under his dark skin, then he smiled. “Perhaps, the gods are telling us it is time for a Chichu’ Ajawinel to rule. My Nabeal Mial287 is smart and alert like the baläm and has the Lady Batz’ Ek’ to teach her.”

  The Batab shook his head. “Sak Witzil Baah! Do not take this lightly. Should there be civil war and you fall to the priests, our entire Lineage will be purged. Every one of us, man, woman and child will be killed even to the most distant of relatives. That is a burden you cannot allow yourself to carry into the maw of the beast when you enter Xibalba. All our lands, buildings, orchards, beehives, jewels, slaves will be appropriated. We’ll be thrown to the ch’oms. There will be no tombs. There will be no proper burials, no gifts to carry with us as we present ourselves to the Lords of Xibalba. There will be none of our Lineage left. The priests may take advantage of this war that is upon us. Have you thought that they may form an alliance with K’uxaj?”

  “Alliance? They’ll have to defeat me first.” The Halach Uinic smiled. He raised his arms and pointed about him. “Look! They will have to defeat my armies too. My Warriors are loyal to me. The young scholars are faithful to me because I allow them to search for truth in everything we see, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Batab! Chekaj K’inich, my dear Wi-k’an. You worry too much. Do you think me a crazed zealot? I have not lost my senses or my ability to rule . . . or my responsibility to my Lineage and my citizens. I will make a decision about the strangers. It will be a right one. At the same time, it will be a just one. Let’s walk a little faster.”

  “Shall I have the prisoners escorted to a prison?”

  “What? So that the priests can have them killed? No! And they are strangers, not prisoners. They will go to my Nim-q’ij Temple and will be secured there until I decide what to do.”

  “To the Nim-q’ij Temple?” asked the horrified Batab. The Halach Uinic smiled. The Batab shook his head. “But, Nephew, they will escape.”

  “Where to, Batab? They are strangers here. They don’t know our land … and, I am sure that should they leave my Nim-q’ij Temple, the priests’ spies will kill them without hesitation. They will not try to escape, so don’t worry. They will be secured and to assure they do not leave, I will not give them lej-xajābs.”

  “Lej-xajābs?” The Batab shook his head. “Do not jest, Nephew. Will they be imprisoned together?”

  “They are not prisoners. Look on them as restrained guests. And why not together? Xch’úup Xma’ K’aaba’ is Ke’kchi’s woman. He may want to take her to his mat.”

  “They’ll scheme and plot. Don’t you think they might try to kill you, your Nim-q’ij Na’, Lady Batz’ Ek’, or your Chichu’ Ajawinel, or your Nim-q’ij Mials, the Alixels,288 or all of them?”

  “Can you see anyone killing Lady Batz’ Ek’?”

  “Again, you jest.”

  “As I said, don’t worry. My Nim-q’ij Guards are vigilant and they will be posted there, at all times, guarding them.” The Halach Uinic was quiet for a few moments then continued. “Yes! Mials! I have only Mias and the Chichu’ Ajawinel grows older. I have been advised to have an Ukab Atan,289 but I hesitate. I am no longer that young alaxel that went from maiden to maiden. I am happy with one woman, one mat. But will I be negligent and not name a successor? No! Batab! Should I take the journey to Xibalba without having a son as did my Achalal, Knot Ajaw, the throne will go to K’ahk’ Ujol, great-great grandson of K’ahk Ujol K’inich I. K’ahk’ Ujol resides and studies in the Tijoxel Ja.290 He will make a good Ajawinel.”

  “He would be a good choice.”

  “Yet, ka’ah291 or óox292 tuns ago, Nakúm had a female ruler. I should think about that.”293

  The Batab spoke no more.

  They continued walking, but remained silent, each man in his own thoughts. The Halach Uinic suddenly called out, “Ah Cuch Cabs!” and they were immediately at his side. “See that the displaced citizens are fed and housed, as much as possible. Report to me later on that situation. If any priest stirs panic, give my Nim-q’ij Guards the order to have that priest thrown in prison.” The three men immediately showed fear in their faces. “Do you understand?” asked the Halach Uinic, firmly.

  “Yes, Halach Uinic,” was the unanimous but quiet response.

  “Make sure all members of the Provincial Council are available, as I will call a meeting.”

  “Yes, Halach Uinic.”

  “And my young al-ch’utin-nans,294 Batab … where are they?”

  “My sons are at the Tijoxel Ja, Nephew.” He pointed to a building just ahead and to the left of us. “They are still angry that they were stuck with social and religious education rather than going on the hunting trip with you.”

  K’an II laughed. “Have them brought to my Nim-q’ij Residence.”

  “Yes, Nephew.”

  The Halach Uinic gathered the members of the hunting party together and bid them farewell, telling them that the usual post hunting festivities, where they ate and drank
and each man gave stories of his prowess, were postponed due to the urgent matters the kingdom faced. Each man then left with his slaves and servants and his share of the carcasses. Finally, he spoke again to the Batab, “Have my Nim-q’ij Military Commandant and his staff meet me at the War room in, immediately. Please be with them.”

  The Batab bowed saying, “I will see you later, Halach Uinic. Remember to have that steam bath … sometime soon.”

  The Halach Uinic lowered his head, smelled his armpit and wrinkled his nose. How could I forget, Wi-k’an?” He laughed again. “I know I smell like the wild boar. It is a good smell, at times.” He sighed.

  I held Molly’s hand tightly as we entered the city proper and the marvels we saw kept both of us astounded. The Halach Uinic was first, followed by the remaining Nim-q’ij Guards. We were next in line followed by servants and slaves. I was still unable to distinguish with certainty who was a servant and who was a slave. Some wore loincloths, others didn’t. I still held on to my earlier presumption, however, that those with loincloths were servants and the naked ones, slaves. I had no basis for my judgement except for my social assertion that someone with some sort of clothes was better off than someone without.

  Illustration 44: Ox Witz Ha Core Site.

  Illustration 45: Today’s Caana (Sky Palace) and an Artist’s Reconstruction.

  Illustration 46: Chiac’s Ox Witz Ha.

  CHIAC’S OX WITZ HA

  superimposed on

  UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA CARACOL ARCHEOLOGICAL PROJECT

  LIDAR SURVEY LASER MAP

  We were approaching the city from the northeast and the first building we passed was the Tijoxel Ja, the building indicated by the Batab, and to my left was a large aguada295 filled with water, looking silvery in the dusk. The Tijoxel Ja comprised several low buildings arranged in a rectangle, made up of different size rooms, the roofs thatched. Remembering what the Batab had said, I supposed the rooms were used as dormitories and classrooms for the Elite.

  People were lining the causeway and, as we approached, they bowed before the Halach Uinic and then quickly looked towards us. The report of our arrival had obviously been trumpeted by the Ahau Can Mai and his colleagues. The number of people seemed to increase as the causeway ended and we walked on the inner sacbeobs of the city itself. I was not sure if the crowd was present to welcome the Halach Uinic or to see the two strangers that were fulfilling the prophecy of evil and doom, to see the woman with no thumbs. Some of the people looked at us with hate, others with fear; some stared at us with blank faces, their indifference suggesting that whatever happened was not going to change their lives much. A few pointed at us, others covered their mouth with their hands, others covered their eyes. Yet, no one approached us. No one uttered a curse on us. I did notice, however, that many of the people carried branches of cot-acam, pay-che,296 sink-in,297 and p’om. Those were used to ward off evil, and as we passed they waved the branches at us. In all the uncertainty, Molly’s body kept me calm, walking as close to me as she possibly could.

  Other members of the Nim-q’ij Guard had joined us and they walked on either side of our original group. They carried long spears and held those in their hands near the crowds. Whenever the bystanders seemed to be coming in too close, they merely extended their arm with the spear and the people drew back.

  I was able to see most of the central area of the city from where we were. There were three large complexes of temples to my left, two southwest of me and the third further south. There was also an elaborate monument that looked like a stairway. We were then approaching one of the tallest temples in Ox Witz Ha. To my right was a long flat building with thatched roof. It was residential or offices of some sort. But it was difficult not to keep looking at the temple we approached. It stood one hundred and forty or fifty feet high and was one of the temples I had seen from the table-mountain. I squeezed Molly’s hand as we approached it and felt a fine tremor. I was trembling also. At that moment, I had little concern for the why and how. I was just living every enthralling moment I was experiencing. The temple was pyramidal in shape, with wide but low steps that were located centrally, leading up to three different levels. I estimated that the first level, the basic platform, rose about ten feet above ground level. The second set of stairs rose a further thirty feet to the second platform where there was a long series of doorways that probably led into rooms. The final set of stairs climbed another forty feet at which level there was a complex of small temples that stood another sixty feet or thereabout. Adjacent to the temples were smaller buildings, some with thatch roofs, others with stone.

  We entered an open courtyard where many people had gathered and hundreds of torches lit the late evening. I was struck by the number of slaves and servants that seemed to be everywhere. The Nobles, I assumed I could easily recognize by their headdresses, cloaks, and rich attire, with their servants and slaves about them. The Nobles almost always displayed an article of clothing or jewelry that portrayed some aspect of the jaguar. I, therefore, concluded that the symbol of the jaguar was associated with the family of the Halach Uinic. There was also a large group of people, probably middle-class, that were well-dressed and wearing heavily decorated clothes, and jewelry made from gold, silver, and jade. Some of the men were dressed only in adorned white loincloths, but they wore elaborate necklaces and headdresses. Some women wore a plain white straight flowing dress, the huipil, but also jewelry and headdresses. Others wore matching turban, skirt, and what looked like a shawl. They were obviously wealthy and moved freely among the Nobles. There were farmers, burned by the sun, some of the men dressed in stained white open shirts and plain narrow lose wrap-arounds, others with wrap-around only, and the women with a large piece of cloth just cloaking their bodies, again loosely. They also moved about freely with their children. My observations led me to believe that although there was a large difference in wealth between the Nobles and the farmers, there was a large and powerful middle class in Ox Witz Ha. It was probably only slavery that constituted a sharply bounded social class.

  Many of the crowd were civilians who had fled from the outskirts because of the heinous happenings of the night before. The city was packed and although some of the faces I saw appeared tense, many seemed to be going about their business as normal and there were cheers, loud cheers for the Halach Uinic as we passed. As I had looked down on Ox Witz Ha from the table-mountain, I had seen a metropolis and its nearby villages and farms spreading as far as the eyes could see, possibly as much as fifty or sixty square miles. The Halach Uinic had told me that 120,000 people lived there … and many of them were then crammed into the city center, surrounded by rows of armed soldiers, ready to protect them, their Halach Uinic and their city. On my left, I saw a structure that looked like some kind of ballcourt, but my interest remained with the temple or palace we approached.

  It was already nightfall when we stood at the foot of the Halach Uinic’s palace. His family awaited him on the first platform near the narrow steps that led up to the housing area. He climbed the steps, quickly, and kissed his wife, a very attractive, elegant and regal woman, probably in her mid-thirties. She was dressed in a red huipil that reached down to her ankles, just above her lej-xajäbs. She wore large jade earplugs, a large beaded jade necklace, and jade bracelets on both arms. A red headdress with two folds from which hung a single quetzal feather covered her head. Her black hair was long, straight, heavenly like silk as it reflected light from the burning torches and she had it tied back with white ribbons. The children, four in all, appeared to be about ages three to seven. All were girls, wearing plain white huipils and sea shell necklaces. The Halach Uinic then approached and bowed his head to a stately elderly woman who stood a little off from the family. I remembered hearing the Halach Uinic and Batab speaking earlier about a Lady Batz’ Ek’. I assumed it was her.

  The Nim-q’ij Guards kept us away from the Royal Family and only occasionally did I catch a glance of one of the family looking over towards us. I saw no
hate or fear in their eyes. There was only curiosity, especially in the eyes of the children. They were the powerful Nim-q’ijs. We were the lowly strangers … of no consequence or danger to them. Lady Batz’ Ek’ never once looked at us.

  The Halach Uinic spoke to the two Nim-q’ij Guards he had ordered to guard Molly and me. They came towards us and my guard spoke, “Come with us.” The other took my machete and handed it to the Halach Uinic. I was disappointed but shouldn’t have expected otherwise. I had been presumptuous enough to think that we were going to climb the narrow stairs to the home of the ruler of Ox Witz Ha. Instead, we were led to the right of the palace and passed a temple having two tiers. That building had five very broad steps leading to the first level which was just a platform. A second series of steps, about eleven of them, got progressively narrower as they ascended to the top level where there were rooms covered with a stone roof. Behind that structure was a large stone patio, in the middle of which was a long stone table surrounded by small stone blocks presumably used as stools. Small rooms with thatched roofs surrounded the patio. From there I saw the back of the palace and another aguada, or cho,298 smaller than the one I had seen earlier. We were taken into a small room adjoining the large patio, after which the guards stood in the doorway.

  The room was small, about eight feet by ten feet. There were no windows and no furniture. There was a large rug made from straw and it was covered with cloth. Another large piece of fabric was rolled up and placed on the rug. In one corner stood some type of lamp, its small flame glowing in the otherwise dark room. I head a soft sound of water pouring and there was the faint smell of smoke, of burning wood.

  “I suppose that’s where we sleep.”

  Molly appeared fatigued, stressed, and perplexed. “I’m so tired I could sleep standing up,” she moaned. “I’ve heard of soldiers sleeping standing up.”