**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. A beautiful greenstone ear spool of a flared form, with a relatively flat round face and a cylindrical, hollow plug. Jade ear spools are a symbol of Maya royalty. This example is particularly striking for the attractive mottled inclusions in the stone itself. Size: 2.3" L x 1.875" W (5.8 cm x 4.8 cm)

Ear spools like this example are often shown in profile in Mayan art, sometimes with a bead or serpent emerging from that central hollow plug; this is interpreted to be a symbolic supernatural passageway for the breath of the soul to travel through. Ear spools like this were also cherished as heirlooms; the Maya associated their style with the earlier Olmecs, and passed them down for generations.

Provenance: private Colgate, Wisconsin, USA collection acquired 1970s to 1990s; ex John Montovan collection, Dekalb, Illinois, USA

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#156777

Minor abrasions to rim and drilled central hole, otherwise intact and very good. Nicely polished surfaces throughout. Old inventory number written in black ink on flat side, and old inventory label on sloped side.