Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Pre-Classic to Classic Maya, ca. 100 to 900 CE. A collection of 41 ancient hand pecked and polished Omphacite jade beads strung in modern times on a cotton thread. These beads should be restrung if one intends to wear them, and they are perfect for jewelers to use individually or together! To achieve the silky surface the artisan may have used an abrasive like sand, pulverized stones such as hematite or even jade dust, and water to polish until lustrous - a time consuming process! Jade was revered by the Maya not only for its beauty, but also because it had spiritual power - it was believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. Size of strand: 28" L (71.1 cm); beads: 0.75" L x 0.45" W (1.9 cm x 1.1 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175153

  • Condition: Nicks and chips to beads commensurate with age and use. Strung on a modern thread. Not wearable as is, but could easily be restrung on a wire as a necklace or pendants.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 1, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000