Lot 1
Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, Classic Period, ca. 200 to 800 CE. An exquisite jade pectoral or pendant, masterfully carved in low relief with the image of a richly adorned figure - perhaps a high-ranking priest, noble, or deity - presented in a frontal stance with hands pressed together at the chest in an expression of reverence. Every detail, from the bold facial features to the ornate headdress, reflects both technical virtuosity and profound cultural symbolism. Wearing an elaborate crown of scrolling, glyph-like elements, the figure exudes authority. Heavy-lidded, coffee bean-shaped eyes gaze downward or remain closed in meditative stillness. A pronounced nasal bridge, broad nose, and downturned mouth evoke stylistic influences inherited from the Olmec tradition, where solemn expressions conveyed power and otherworldly presence. Flanking the visage are coiled ears adorned with large, circular earspools, while a finely incised beaded necklace graces the chest below.
Though more abstract in form, the lower body seems to be dressed in a belt and loincloth, consistent with elite male attire in Maya art. Two horizontally drilled perforations on the reverse indicate that this piece was designed to be suspended, likely worn as a pendant or sewn onto a ceremonial garment or headdress. The use of jade - one of the most precious and symbolically powerful materials in the ancient Maya world - further underscores the elite or sacred status of the figure depicted.
Far more than a decorative ornament, jade carried immense symbolic weight in Maya belief systems. Its luminous green hue evoked rain, vegetation, and the vital energy of maize - central to concepts of life and fertility. Highly valued for its beauty, durability, and rarity, jade was believed to embody supernatural power. This finely carved object likely belonged to a Maya ruler or shaman and may have been used in ritual performance or worn during important ceremonial events.
The figure may represent a deity or mythic ancestor, imbuing the piece with both visual grandeur and spiritual resonance. Worn in life and perhaps carried into the afterlife, such objects were thought to protect the soul and connect the wearer to divine forces. Today, this plaque endures as a powerful testament to the sacred role of jade in Maya cosmology and the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Mesoamerican artisans.
Jade plaques, pendants, and tubular beads formed an essential part of the regalia worn by Maya elites - including rulers, priests, and dignitaries. The value of jade extended far beyond its rich, lustrous appearance. Its rarity made it a material reserved for individuals of high status, and among the Maya, it was esteemed even more highly than gold. These ornaments were often exchanged as prestigious gifts or offered in sacred rituals to the gods. Jade was believed to possess life-giving properties, and it played a critical role in funerary practices. Upon the death of a ruler, a piece of jade was commonly placed in the mouth of the deceased to ensure their spiritual continuity in the afterlife. The deep symbolism and ritual use of jade reflect the central role it held in Maya cosmology and mortuary tradition.
Among the finest jade objects are thin, flat plaques engraved with intricate representations of human faces or full figures. While many jade artifacts are found outside documented archaeological contexts - making precise dating and provenance difficult - they consistently display refined workmanship and iconography. These plaques are typically pierced with suspension holes, indicating their use as part of necklaces, headdresses, or as individual pendants. In some cases, the natural shape of the jade limited the artist's ability to fully render the figures, resulting in somewhat stylized or truncated forms. Nevertheless, the depicted individuals are richly adorned with elaborate headdresses, multiple necklaces, armlets, anklets, and large ear ornaments - all markers of elite status and possibly clan or ritual affiliation. The headdresses often take the shape of totemic animals or birds, symbolizing spiritual guardianship or divine association - as seen in this example.
Cf. British Museum, Museum Number Am.9868.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194111
- Condition: Some light surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Wearable as a pendant.
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