Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A stunning pendant, hand-carved from seafoam green-hued jadeite to portray a fierce, zoomorphic visage of the sun god Kinich Ahau with highly stylized features. Scattered with natural teal and mint-colored inclusions, the evocative face presents the god's traditional spiraling eyes, a broad nasal bridge, pierced nostrils, prominent cheekbones, and an open, snarling mouth exposing sharp fangs. Decorative, geometric designs comprise a headband and earspools, framing the dramatic countenance. Kinich Ahau's identity is designated not only by his scrolling eyes, but also by his aquiline nose, protruding fangs, and the ahau glyph on his forehead. A pair of drill holes perforate the side and verso of the top of the head, allowing it to be worn as a pendant on a necklace. Size: 1" L x 2.5" W x 3" H (2.5 cm x 6.4 cm x 7.6 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 jade contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

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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#183579

Ancient chip to proper top right periphery and a few miniscule nicks, but otherwise intact and in excellent overall condition with impressive preservation of carved detail. Wearable as a pendant.