Description:

Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. A trio of beautiful jade ornaments - a long bloodletting spike pierced at its upper edge so that it could be worn; a rectangular pendant, also pierced through on one upper edge; and finally a large ear spool. The latter is of a particularly beautiful color, with banded apple-green and cream-colored jade that is so thinly carved on its edges as to be almost translucent. Size of largest piece (pin): 4.1" W (10.4 cm)

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. Ear spools like this one are often shown in profile in Mayan art, usually with a bead or serpent emerging from that central hollow plug; this is interpreted to be a symbolic supernatural passageway for the breath of the soul to travel through.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#141251

  • Condition: All three are intact, although the spool may have an ancient chip from one side (if it is a chip rather than a natural variation in the stone, it is smooth now).

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November 29, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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