Lot 17
Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A hand-carved jadeite pendant in an apple-green hue of a substantial size, pecked and polished to a lustrous surface. The obverse face is etched with shallow linear grooves and scrolling shapes - at first glance these are seemingly random motifs- but on the upper right left corner is a stylized face with an earspool- orientated to be half visible and one side of the face runs off the edge of the jadeite. In the lower right-hand side is another half a face. Note the curvature of the surface, rather than cutting down to a flattened plane the artisan worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious jadeite. While saving the material, this also restricts the motifs and figures, here the artisan seems to embrace the warping of surface by the placement of the faces! The verso is uncarved, but polished, and a lateral perforation is drilled for suspension or attachment. Size: 2.5" L x 2" W (6.4 cm x 5.1 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: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#173343
- Condition: Softening to details. Minor surface nicks and natural striations, otherwise intact and excellent. Substantial size!
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