This jade pectoral was an ornament worn by a
high-ranking Mayan official. Perhaps, a priest
wore it while enacting elaborate ceremonies. A
cord would have been woven through the holes
incised into the sides and back of the piece to
secure it in place on the bearer’s chest. The
depiction of a figure has been carved into the
front of the pectoral. Who is this individual?
Perhaps he is a shaman in the middle of a ritual,
perhaps a Mayan king or even a mythological
god. While the identity of this figure will remain
unknown, it is clear from his ornate costume that
he was a vital entity in Mayan culture, much like
the person who would have worn this pectoral.
The carved figure wears a fanciful headdress. He
is ornamented with a nose ornament and ear
flares. There are also faint lines representing a
staff he holds in front of him. This jade pectoral
would have celebrated the image of the etched
figure much like it celebrated the proud person it
was bestowed upon.
- (PF.5539)
|
