<p> Writing in Mayan Hieroglyphics and Pictographs</p><p>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.</p><p>How to write your name in glyphs. </p><p>1. Break your name into syllables. Example: Julie = Jul/ie</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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</p><p>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.</p><p>1. Pick an important time in your life. Use pictograms to depict this event. </p><p>2. The main focal point of your pottery will be your name in glyphs. Make sure you make your name big enough to see.</p><p>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).</p><p>4. If you want to add a few words in hieroglyphics besides your name go for it!</p><p>5. Be creative and neat.</p><p>6. When you hand in your good copy write a few sentences explaining your piece of pottery. </p>