Pre-Columbian, Antigua Area, Guatemala, Pre-Classic to Classic Maya, ca. 100 to 900 CE. A beautiful necklace comprised of 57 beads - all hand-cut and hand-polished from either jadeite (the face pendant as well as several other beads) and greenstone of various shades. The shapes of the beads are both tubular and round, and they are arranged in a balanced composition with a wonderful stylized jadeite face pendant presenting skillfully incised features. All beads are ancient and strung in modern times with a high karat gold modern clasp. Size: 17" L (43.2 cm); pendant measures .875" H x .625" W (2.2 cm x 1.6 cm)
Jade was revered by the Maya not only for its beauty, but also because it had spiritual power - it was believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. In addition, scholars argue that its color was associated with water and vegetation. While the Maya used jade beads to create impressive jewelry, we also know that they placed jade beads in the mouths of the dead, perhaps as a means of extending the circle of life. Furthermore, many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.
Provenance: private Probst collection, Monterey, California, USA, acquired in the mid-1970s to mid-1990s; ex-Willard Leutze collection
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#145049
Condition
Slight surface wear with a few minute nicks here and there commensurate with age, but overall excellent. Beads are ancient. Strung in modern times with modern findings.