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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Mayan Jade : Mayan Jade-Like Stone Pendant Depicting a Serpent's Head
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Mayan Jade-Like Stone Pendant Depicting a Serpent's Head - PF.3362
Origin: Guatemala
Circa: 600
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
1.5" (3.8cm) high
x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Mayan
Medium: Jade
$4,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This small stone pendant depicts an intricately
carved serpent head. Its beautifully polished
surface seems to gleam, accentuating gentle
curves that form the serpent head. The Ancient
Mayans believed in many animal gods, some
being more powerful than others. They
associated these powerful gods with natural
phenomena, which contributed to worshipping
certain animals, such as the serpent, for people's
well-being. The serpent was a potent element in
Mayan art and religion. The peculiar form of the
serpent's body was able to furnish a richer theme
in artistic development than could that of any
other animal in totemic divinities in the Mayan
world. Moreover, the serpent carried more
mystical essence since it was associated with the
beginning of Meso-America. Worshiped as a
divinity and incorporated in the vast range of
Mayan art, the serpent certainly was a special
being. The iconography of serpent, thus, became
a sign or an attribute of divinity in general.
Symbolizing such godly attributes, it is certain
that this pendant was worn and kept as a
precious jewel and an amulet. As we look into
the pendant, we can envision how beautifully it
decorated an Ancient Mayan’s neck or chest.
- (PF.3362)
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