It was believed by the Maya that an object could
obtain and retain sacred power (or energy). In
order for this to happen the object must become
a conduit for psychic energy through the will of
a shaman, and then to function in a ritual, which
further strengthens its capacity for retaining
power. The Maya accepted this concept as
something quite natural and utilized it as part of
their elaborate ceremonies. Also involved is the
artist's intent to create something worthy of
being revered; and in this noble pursuit Maya
artists produced some of the most beautiful and
intriguing works of art in the world. This
gorgeous Celt is just such an object, which meets
the criteria for something very special. Designed
to be worn by a king during important rituals
Celts hung in a single or double row from the
royal belt. They were seen as objects of authority
and prestige, as well as symbols representing the
king's superhuman attributes as a deity in
human form. The three glyphs probably refer to
the ritual the Celt was intended for, read as a
script or seen as graphic representations of
different gods. The designs are lovely even
without knowing their meaning. They swirl and
surge around the enclosed space, enlarging and
expanding the interior with an almost 3-
dimensional effect. With their delicate lines made
red with cinnabar pigment, the glyphs heighten
the natural beauty of the jade, and the
combination is a work of art that exudes a
unique and mysterious energy.
- (PF.3702)
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