Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A lovely pair of omphacite jade pendants, both stringcut to feature a lord or deity with light remains of cinnabar pigment cling the grooves on both. They wear large circular earspools beneath a grand headdress, and the larger stone has additional faces to the sides of the main figure. As was the custom, the artisan worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious surface area- hence the asymmetrical shapes of both. 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. Both are pierced for suspension through the sides and verso. Size of larger: 3.5" L x 3.25" W (8.9 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: private New York collection, New York, USA, acquired 2010; ex-Joshua Wallman collection, USA, 2009; ex-private Collet collection, France, 2001

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#179877

Chip and loss to the lower edge of larger pendant and to edge of smaller pendant. Minor surface nicks. Remains of cinnabar pigment on the surface of both. Excellent.