“Quetzalitztli (the name of the emerald green
jade) comes from 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 the words of 16th Century Spanish
chronicler Sahagun, writing about new world jade
and the highly evolved lapidary art he
experienced during his travels in Mesoamerica.
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 the Pre-Columbian Maya. Instead,
the artist used only hard stones, bamboo, twine,
sand and water. With these few materials, he
sawed, carved, sanded, drilled, a braided and
polished the raw jade to produce elegant works
of art such as this stunning face pendant – a
masterpiece of jade carving that is dramatically
appealing to all who experience its spirited
beauty. Perforated on either side, perhaps this
face pendant was worn by an Ancient Mayan an
amulet, imbuing the wearer with its mystical
powers. Whatever its previous function may have
been, today we are captivated by its spell, and in
awe of the artist whose creative efforts produced
this dramatic work of Ancient Mayan art.
- (PF.2570)
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