Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Guerrero region, Mezcala, ca. 500 to 100 BCE; Antigua Area, Guatemala, Pre-Classic to Classic Maya, ca. 100 to 900 CE; Native American, Southeast or Midwest, Mississippian, ca. 900 to 1543 CE. A fabulous gathering of 2 pottery pendants and 6 stone artifacts. First, the pottery pendants are from Mississippian culture and present avian forms resembling eagles. Each bird is shown with wings spread outwards in a V shape as petite feathers hang below, and a triangular tuft of tail feathers serves as a base. Their heads face to one side, both with annular drill holes as eyes and rectangular beaks slanted upwards. Several drill holes, perhaps for suspension, can be seen along the faces and peripheries of both pendants. Alternatively, the group of Pre-Columbian stone artifacts is comprised of 2 jade beads, 3 greenstone beads, and a skillfully carved figure. The stone beads are from Maya culture and feature 4 of barrel form and 1 displaying a cuboid body. Highly stylized and carved from a creamy, pink-colored stone, the figure is from Guerrero-Mezcala culture and exhibits a rectangular body with arms falling to the sides from square shoulders, a narrow waist, petite feet, and a sizeable head topped with a helmet-like headdress or coiffure. The ancient figure's minimalistic visage is comprised of slender eyes, a triangular nose, and a straight mouth flanked by prominent nasolabial folds. Size of largest: 4.75" W x 2.5" H (12.1 cm x 6.4 cm); Size of beads (all about the same): 0.25" in diameter x 0.25" H (0.6 cm x 0.6 cm); Size of frame: 12" W x 9.5" H (30.5 cm x 24.1 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 Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#162466

Repair to left wing of larger eagle and right wing of smaller, both with restoration over break lines. Loss to right wing feather of smaller eagle. Stone figure repaired from 2 pieces with break line visible. Beads intact and wearable. Light nicks and abrasions to pottery pendants, stone figure, and 2 beads. Otherwise, very nice with lovely earthen deposits to figure and pendants. Fit with a modern wood and glass case.