Note 140 — IV. The Graphic Elements.

“Kan: cuzcas ò piedras que servian à los indios de moneda y de adorno al cuello.” Dicc. de Motul. I owe this identification to my late friend, Dr. C. H. Berendt, a profound Maya scholar. Its correctness will be confirmed by examining Cod. Cort., p. 12. Cod. Dres., p. 48, etc. This circulating medium of the Mayas is mentioned in the Relacion de Valladolid, 1579, cap. 33. In purchasing a wife the expression was ah coy kan, “he who must pay kans,” as these were the consideration. (Dicc. Motul.) Other meanings of kan are: yellow, and hence ripe fruit, the yolk of an egg, cooked maize, etc.; anything precious or valuable; a measure of length; a set task; a net, and to fish or hunt with one.