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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Jade : Mayan Greenstone Pendant
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Mayan Greenstone Pendant - PF.4726
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
2" (5.1cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Greenstone
$4,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Carved pendants, such as this handsome
example, are common central elements in the
beaded necklaces worn by Maya elite. The upper
classes loved to ornament themselves with a
wide array of valuable and highly decorative
objects; from flamboyant feathers to heavy jade
Celts. Necklaces with dangling pendants may
have worn on a normal daily basis and not just
during ceremonies, as visible signs of wealth and
social status. This head is similar to certain sun-
god pendants, especially in the horizontal bars
used in place of earspools. Its 'architectural'
structure is reminiscent of the more monumental
stone sculptures decorating Maya pyramids. The
rough surface of the eye depressions suggests
they may have inlaid with shell. To hold this
pendant in the palm of your hand gives a strong
feeling of life for the Maya elite-- a life of
luxury, artistic beauty and mystery of the
supernatural.
- (PF.4726)
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