Lot 222B
Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, ca. 550 to 900 CE. Finely carved from jade of black and deep green hues, a Mayan skull pendant closely associated with the Death God (see more below) with dramatic string-cut details - those eery spiraled eyes, a straight nose with curled termini signifying flaring nostrils (nasal cavities), long ears perforated for the suspension of decorative ornaments, and an upper row of large teeth. Biconically drilled above the ears for attachment or suspension. Custom stand. Size: 2.25" W x 2.125" H (5.7 cm x 5.4 cm); 3.25" H (8.3 cm) on stand
Although similar to the sign for death, that for skull or head represents the actual body part, and the Jol sign (meaning skull or head) lacks the articulated mandible (as we see in this pendant) of the Death God or God A. Skulls were logical symbols for decapitation sacrifices, hence their mortuary meaning. In the Great Ballcourt at Chichen Itza, there are no fewer than six such scenes of ritual decapitation. According to Andrea Stone and Marc Zender's "Reading Maya Art: A Hieroglyphic Guide to Ancient Maya Painting and Sculpture", "Such ritual decapitations reenacted the mythological narrative of the Hero Twins, who played ball with the Death Gods in order to recover the decapitated body of their father, the Maize God. Ritual reenactments of this myth are well known in Maya art, and one Jaina-style figurine of a boxer wearing a skull mask probably represents the 'impersonation' of one of the Death Gods from this enduring myth." (Stone & Zender, Thames & Hudson, 2001, p. 18)
Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over 25 years from various major galleries.
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.
#124358
- Condition: Small abraded loss above right eye. Otherwise excellent.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |