**Originally Listed At $400**

Pre-Columbian, Antigua Area, Guatemala, Pre-Classic to Classic Maya, ca. 100 to 900 CE. An impressive ensemble of three jade adornments from the ancient Maya Empire; two earspools and one pendant. The earspools present discoid bodies with rounded edges and annular perforations at their centers. Enveloped in mottled hues of seafoam green and light grey with natural dark grey and cream inclusions, the first earspool features a smooth face on one side and a circular well that dramatically recesses to the central aperture on the other. Alternatively, the second exhibits shades of hunter green and charcoal grey with a recessed ring on both faces and an additional perforation near its periphery. The pendant is of a flat, rectangular form with curved corners and a drill hole at its top for suspension. The smooth surface of this unique stone showcases colors of celadon and fern green. Size: 2" W x 1.5" H (5.1 cm x 3.8 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 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 Arcadia, California, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#160921

Expected age wear with light scratches and abrasions to two lighter stones. Otherwise, excellent.