**Originally Listed At $300**

Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 500 to 950 CE. An attractive necklace comprised of 8 jade beads - 6 petite barrel shaped and 2 large drop pendants - all carved from beautiful jade stone displaying a nice variety of green hues with mottled white and russet inclusions - strung on a black twisted macrame cord. Simply twist the cords together to create various designs. A lovely work of wearable art. Size: 30" L (76.2 cm); large pendant beads measure ~ 1.5" L (3.8 cm)

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. 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: The jade beads are ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

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#128617

Beads are in excellent condition. Modern stringing.