The Maya considered jade the most precious of
all stone substances. Prized for its durability and
color, jade symbolized life-giving water and
vegetation, and represented lightening and rain.
Its symbolic beauty imbued every figure and
ornament with supernatural power and
importance.
This stunning pectoral most probably would
have graced the chest of an Ancient Mayan king
or shaman. A chord would have been woven
through the slot in the back of the pectoral and
the piece would have been worn much like a
necklace. Clearly, given the symbolic importance
of jade and the intricacy of the carving, this
necklace was a rare and valued possession
treasured in its own time. The presence of the
stylized deity carved onto the face of the jade
suggests that this pectoral was reserved for only
the most high-ranking priest or ruler. The
features of the deity bear the stylistic tendencies
the Mayans inherited from the Olmec.
Specifically, notice the broad, circular face, the
large nose, and the mouth curved downwards.
Overall, this pectoral demonstrates the splendor
and beauty of jade, a stone sacred to the Mayans
in their own time and even more precious today.
- (PF.5828)
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