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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Jade : Mayan Jade Pendant Depicting a Human Face
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Mayan Jade Pendant Depicting a Human Face - PF.2402
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 500
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
1.25" (3.2cm) high
x 1.75" (4.4cm) wide
Catalogue: V11
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Mayan
Medium: Jade
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
"Quentzalitztli (the name of emerald-green jade)
comes form Quetzalli (Quetzal feather) and itztli
(obsidian), because its appearance is like a green
Quetzal feather. And its body is as transparent
and as dense as obsidian. It is precious,
esteemed, valuable; it is worthy of being
cherished; it merits storing; it is desirable,
worthy of envy..." These are words of the 16th
century Spanish chronicler Sahagun, writing
about New World jade and the highly evolved
lapidary art he experienced during his travels in
Meso-America. Miraculously enough, beautiful
works of art such as this jade face pendant, were
created by the Maya not through the use of metal
tools, for jade was too hard to be worked by the
metals available to te Pre-Columbian Maya.
Instead, the artists used only hard stones,
bamboo, twine, sand and water. With these few
materials a Maya artist sawed, carved, sanded,
drilled, abraded and polished the raw jade to
produce this sophisticated work of art--one
which is dramatically appealing to all who
experience its spirit beauty. Perforated
horizontally, perhaps this dynamic face pendant
was worn by an ancient Mayan as a type of
amulet, imbuing the wearer with its mystical
powers. Whatever its previous function, we today
are captivated by its spell, and in awe of the
artist whose creative talents produced this
timeless work of art.
- (PF.2402)
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