CMGG entry for sa'      (This article is part of the Learner's Maya Glyph Guide.)

Translation: atole, maize gruel
Part of speech: Noun

Logogram spellings of sa'

                                       A black and white drawing of a basket Description automatically generated                                                         

K&L.p30.#1  [25EMC.pdfp45.#10.1&2&3 =  K&L.p30.#1.4&2&30]               TOK.p32.r2.c2                    BMM9.p21.r1.c3                        

SA’                                                                                                                              SA’                                       SA’                                                 

 

·    No glyphs given in K&H (except as part of EG).

·    EB.p215.pdfp 220 has: atole – sa’, sak ha’, ul.

·    EB has no references to the logogram SA’ in the meaning of “atole”, only a syllabogram spelling is listed with this meaning. This has been superseded, SA’ as a logogram definitely exists, as K&L, TOK, & BMM9 all record it as such. Furthermore, its meaning is not restricted to just being part of the EG of NAR, but can actually mean “atole”:

o BeliaevEtAl-SCaSA.p266.pdfp10.Fig.7.label: SA’ as a designation for beverages.

o In particular, K8008 / TIKMT176 W has SA’.

·    BeliaevEtAl-SCaSA.p265.para4: … whenever one or both glosses are attested in the [Sim: Postclassic] Maya languages discussed above, sa’ appears to be a generic term for maize gruel drinks or even gruel-like substances, whereas ’ul corresponds to more refined and exclusive beverages consumed on special occasions.

·    For non-Spanish speakers / people not from a US background: Do not confuse atole with tamale. They are both maize-based foods, but atole is a liquid (or gruel) while tamale is a solid (bread-like).

·    There are two words in Classic Maya for atole: sa’ and ul.