Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 500 to 950 CE. Three circular jade beads of lovely apple green hues with mottled white and golden beige inclusions, two with three perforations, one with two. To the indigenous of the ancient Americas, jade was a stone that carried powerful symbolism. Jade ornaments were used in ceremonial rituals and as adornments for the elite. Size: largest measures ~ 1.375" in diameter (3.5 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 jade contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica

Provenance: private R. D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over twenty-five years from various major galleries

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#124343

A few tiny nicks to edges, but overall very good.