Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 500 to 950 CE. A crescent-moon shaped whistle pendant with a face delineated in profile, carved from a beautiful jade stone of apple-green hues with mottled cream and russet inclusions. 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. This example is particularly unusual in that it also functions as a whistle, creating dulcet tones! Perforation for suspension. Size: 2" L (5.1 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 25 years from various major galleries

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#124338

Superb! Whistle works well too! Suspension cord in photo not included.