Rare Maya Jadeite Face Pendant with Red Pigment Traces
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Maya Jadeite Pendant
This exquisite Maya jadeite face pendant is a masterpiece of ancient artistry and cultural significance. Carved in low relief, the handsome and youthful face features finely detailed yet understated elements of Maya craftsmanship. The almond-shaped eyes are gently incised, conveying a serene and contemplative expression. The nose is prominent and angular, reflecting the stylized proportions often seen in Maya carvings, while the softly sculpted lips suggest a stoic and introspective demeanor. Surrounding the face are intricate, flowing designs that may represent ceremonial headdresses or symbolic motifs, enhancing its visual impact and cultural importance.
Crafted from jadeite with a natural palette of rich green hues and soft white tones, the pendant retains areas with faint traces of red hematite and cinnabar pigments. These sacred pigments emphasize its ceremonial role, as red was deeply symbolic in Maya culture, representing blood, life, and renewal. The Maya civilization, renowned for its complex iconography and vibrant murals, extensively employed red pigments derived from hematite and cinnabar (mercury sulfide). These pigments adorned stone stelae, murals, ceramics, and codices. Red symbolized the life force and often highlighted depictions of deities, rituals, and elite figures. The durability of these pigments ensured that Maya carvings and inscriptions retained their vivid details over centuries, preserving their artistic and cultural legacy.
Perforations along the sides suggest this pendant was once worn as an ornament or incorporated into ceremonial attire. Measuring 2.25 inches tall, it is a striking work of art and a tangible connection to the spiritual and artistic traditions of the ancient Maya. Motagua River Valley, Guatemala. Classic Period. ca. 250-900 AD.
Provenance: Morales, CA.; Ex-U. Cruz, UT.
Price: S7,800
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases