1973.35 Hacha: Man's Head with Scarification on Cheeks (Maya, Veracruz or Chiapas, Mexico)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Hachas protruded from a padded waist belt and were part of the ballgame gear for deflecting the heavy rubber ball. This stone hacha was probably a ceremonial replica of a wooden original.
1973.41 Pendant depicting an enthroned lord (Maya, Mexico or Guatemala)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The conquest-period writers of the Chilam Balam of Chumayel, a book of prophecy and history, referred to “the flat precious stone.” Maya lords wore such stones as pectorals and belt decorations when they danced, conjured supernatural spirits, or fought in battle.
1973.46 Pendant: Ruler with Jaguar Headdress (Maya, Mexico, southern Maya lowlands)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Jade and other greenstones were the most precious materials for the ancient Maya, equivalent to emeralds and diamonds in Western culture.
1978.39.1 Eccentric Flint: Hand Object with Three Heads (Maya, Central Maya lowlands?, Mexico?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Maya perfected the art of chipping flint to create thin, flat blades (tok’) for sacrificial and ceremonial use.
1978.39.2 Eccentric Flint: Figure (Maya, Central Maya lowlands?, Mexico?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Maya perfected the art of chipping flint to create thin, flat blades (tok’) for sacrificial and ceremonial use.
1978.39.3 Eccentric Flint: Figure (Maya, Central Maya lowlands?, Mexico?)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Maya perfected the art of chipping flint to create thin, flat blades (tok’) for sacrificial and ceremonial use.
1983.45.McD Eccentric flint depicting a crocodile canoe with passengers (Mexico or Guatemala, Maya)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Maya perfected the art of chipping flint to create thin, flat blades (tok’) for sacrificial and ceremonial use.
1983.W.2 Royal belt ornament (Maya, Mexico or Guatemala)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
On important ceremonial occasions, Maya kings dressed as the World-Tree-of-the-Center, or Wakah-Chan (The Stood-up Sky). To become the tree, they wore ornaments such as this on their loincloths or belts. This regal object depicts a personified mirror, such as occurs on the trunk of the World Tree.