Description:

Pre-Columbian, Honduras, Bay Islands, found on Roatan Island of coast of Honduras, Maya Ulua, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A hand-carved and hand-polished jadeite pendant, of the Ulua style, depicting the visage, perhaps representing a cazique, wearing a turban or headdress. Wearable as it is suspended from a modern silver bead chain. Silver quality: 94%. Size: 0.75" W x .55" H (1.9 cm x 1.4 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. In addition, scholars argue that its color was associated with water and vegetation. While the Maya used jade beads to create impressive jewelry, we also know that they placed jade beads in the mouths of the dead, perhaps as a means of extending the circle of life. Furthermore, many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

Provenance: private Probst Collection, Monterey, California, USA; acquired mid 1970s to mid 1990s

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#145053

  • Condition: Light wear and deposits on surface commensurate with age but details and form are very well preserved.

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July 16, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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