Writing in Mayan Hieroglyphics and Pictographs

Ancient Maya writing used a combination of glyphs that stood either for syllables, or for whole words. The Maya had symbols for vowels and for consonants. The consonants are joined to a vowel. So, they had the syllables cha, che, chi, cho, chu; la, le, li, lo, lu; ma, me, mi, mo, mu; ta, te, ti, to, tu etc. The ancient Maya had glyphs only for those syllables that ended in a vowel. If the sound of the word ended in a consonant sound than the Maya would add a silent vowel. This silent vowel would be the same as the vowel that comes before it. For example trap, because trap ends with a consonant so the Maya would add a silent after the p, trap(a). There was also no “r” sound and glyph in Maya language.

How to write your name in glyphs.

1. Break your name into syllables. Example: Julie = Jul/ie

2. Using the syllable chart choose the glyphs for each part of your name. If your name does not end in a vow you will have to add a silent vowel.

3. If the syllable you need does not have a glyph that means it is still unknown. For a substitution you can use a glyph in the “a” column for the consonant and add the pure vowel glyph. If your name has a “r” sound you will have to substitute that sound for a sound that is similar. For example: Maria change to Malia.

4. When breaking your name into syllables decide on which one is the main sound. Ex: Jul /ie. JUL will be the main syllable. If your name has 3-5 syllables, the main syllable should be the middle syllable. If your name has 4- 6 syllables choose a syllable close to the middle.

5. Use the glyph block to put your name glyphs in the right order. 6. Now that you have your name written out let’s look at pictograms.

In Maya codices they wrote stories with both hieroglyphics and with pictograms. Pictograms are pictures telling a story. Pictograms are a serious of pictures showing the events of the story. Take a look at the codex below and see how the Maya told their stories using pictograms. Assignment

You are going to create an ancient Maya piece of pottery with both glyphs and pictograms. You will first make a rough draft so you can plan out your story and then you will make a good copy.

1. Pick an important time in your life. Use pictograms to depict this event.

2. The main focal point of your pottery will be your name in glyphs. Make sure you make your name big enough to see.

3. Each image must be outlined in black. The only colors the Maya used besides black were red and Mayan blue (bright sea color blue).

4. If you want to add a few words in hieroglyphics besides your name go for it!

5. Be creative and neat.

6. When you hand in your good copy write a few sentences explaining your piece of pottery.