Object Notes

Jade and other greenstones were the most precious materials for the ancient Maya, equivalent to emeralds and diamonds in Western culture. Not only was jade carved into beads that functioned as both jewelry and currency, but this lustrous material was also carved into magical objects that were alive with soul-force and, thus, either useful or potentially harmful.

Jade and other greenstones were the most precious materials for the ancient Maya, equivalent to emeralds and diamonds in Western culture. Not only was jade carved into beads that functioned as both jewelry and currency, but this lustrous material was also carved into magical objects that were alive with soul-force and, thus, either useful or potentially harmful.

The carved images kings wore on their foreheads and chests projected supernatural power. This carved jadeite pendant depicts a figure that may represent a contortionist or a bound prisoner and would have originally been suspended from a necklace by the holes on the sides. Incised lines form the profile of the face, and the figure wears a necklace and earspools.

This intriguing object conveys important ideas about sacred Maya kingship through its material, shape, and imagery. Green stone that could be highly polished was a precious material for the ancient Maya.