Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya Territories, Maya, late Preclassic period, 100 BCE to 400 CE. This is a stunning hand-carved rectangular jade stone plaque or pectoral piece, with a linear and abstract visage of a bird. The stone's face is string-cut to create attenuated linear grooves and a shallow circular shape, perhaps depicting a stylized bird eye above a beak. The verso is flat and highly polished, and the whole surface of this piece is wonderfully silky smooth. Multiple sets of 4 piercings around the corners could make this a special piece a wearable pendant or pectoral. These perforations are intact, and this piece could be strung on a cord and worn today! The stone itself is a stunning vibrant deep and veined green hue; jade was a material for the elite of the ancient world! Size: 1.25" L x 1.5" W (3.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Tuttman and Siskind collection, New York, USA, 1960s to 1970s

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#167944

Intact and choice. Minor surface abrasions and light mineral deposits. Great coloration.