Austin, Texas—according to the A Phys.org A small clay “tab” figurine excavated at the Maya site of La Blanca in northern Guatemala features columns of dots that may be an early form of number writing, according to reports. Dated between 750 and 650 BCThe statue lacks a head and face, but more than 300 similar figurines have been found at La Blanca, and some of them show headbands and ear ornaments. This idol has one pillar of three points and two pillars of four points. Because the columns of dots are not symmetrical, researchers led by Julia Guernsey of the University of Texas believe they may represent numbers. Their location on the head area of the statue may indicate that the marks represent a name or early calendar notation. “The relationship between number and identity, particularly in these early urban environments, is an area of research we hope to explore further,” Guernsey said. For in-depth reading about early Maya iconography, visit “Piecing together Maya creation stories”
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