Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A truly astounding jade pendant hand pecked into a water bird, possibly an egret or cormorant, a slender billed bird with an elongated and downward curving neck, drilled circular eyes. This undoubtably was a pendant or attachment for a special person of prestige and may represent the Principal Bird Deity, a significant god of the Maya pantheon. This deity was the animate embodiment of jade and a personification of other natural resources such as green quetzal feathers, sprouting maize, and water / rain. The jade itself is a stunning mottled green and white hue, the incised lines further highlighted with contrasting cinnabar red pigment. Size: 3.4" L x 2.75" W (8.6 cm x 7 cm)

In many instances it is nearly impossible to identify the bird species - and here is no exception with the generalized form, however the cormorants were special birds that the Maya often depicted due to their seemingly supernatural abilities to fly, swim, dive underwater for minutes, emerging with their sinuous necks rising from the surface - like a snake. Snakes and birds are prominently featured in many pre-Columbian cultures, and Itzamna, Maya Principle Bird Deity, was often depicted with snakes coming from its head or wings, or devouring them whole.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174965

Incised areas may have been retooled in recent times. Choice and excellent. Light remains of red cinnabar pigment in recessed areas. Minor surface nicks, otherwise intact with sharp details.