**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A spectacular and large greenstone ornament inlaid with turquoise, the two large pieces perhaps one forming a disc for an earspool. Along the lower terminal tips are arched lines etched into the surface that represent human teeth, perhaps these ear flares resembled human skulls or jaws and it is possible the teeth are representing those of "The Old God." There are 2 hand-drilled perforations next to each other for securing the spool in place. The large size and the perforations suggest this may have been worn as part of a headdress, rather than in the ear. The Maya believed that ears were the conduits for spiritual energy, and so ear ornaments like these took on significant meaning. Some scholars have argued that the stretching of earlobes - done progressively through spool sizes to limit tearing and pain - may have been a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood for the Maya. Size: 2.8" Diameter (7.1 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand.

The value of green stones for ancient Mesoamericans lay in its symbolic power: its color was associated with water and vegetation, and the renewal of the agricultural cycle. It was also believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath." Ear flares and ornaments made from precious jade and greenstones, such as this, symbolized the power of the wearer. The Maya thought ear ornaments could be used as conduits for the spiritual energy that they believe flowed through the ears, and the mouth / teeth on these spools conveyed this supernatural ability to hear spirits or commune with deities.

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Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#177435

Two large fragments as shown. Professionally repaired and restored with infill to break lines with new material. Professionally mounted on stand.