A Rare Maya Carved and Inlaid Shell Plaque Mexico, Late Classic Period c. 600-800 AD Cut from a large conch shell and ornamented with the following inlay: grooved green jade cuffs at wrists; five green jade pieces as beads on a necklace (one missing); blue-green jade square between legs of the throne, pierced through at center; spondylus shell waist band with a hematite apron or tie at front. A classic Maya lord seated cross-legged on a bench throne engraved with legible Maya glyphs. He faces to his right, a standard pose for a ruler when addressing courtiers, visitors or captives. His right hand is raised with fingers seemingly in a flutter, while the left hand at his lap appears to be pointing to the right. He wears a headdress with a swept forward feathered panache or knotted hair. Faint red pigment appears in the incisions that define the figure and glyphs. In very good condition considering its age, origin, and materials; one jade piece missing from necklace, the facial features obscured by erosion. Provenance: Ex-collection: Aaron Furman, New York, NY Height: 4 ¾ inches HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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