maya Jade Colgante – Retrato de un Señor - 84 mm

The Maya civilization, known for its sophisticated art, architecture, and astronomical systems, also left behind stunning artifacts like this Jadeite Lord Pendant from the Late Classic Period, approximately 550 to 900 CE. This jade pectoral pendant is a remarkable representation of the high craftsmanship and cultural importance of jade to the ancient Maya.

The pendant features a low relief carving of a Maya lord, his arms crossed in a traditional pose of authority and respect. The portrait is skillfully etched, displaying the ruler with his classic Maya features: closed, coffee bean-shaped eyes beneath finely arched brows, a broad nose, and full lips, all typical of Maya aristocracy.

Adorning the noble's head is an elaborate headdress with glyph-like elements, signifying his high status. The presence of annular earspools further emphasizes his nobility. Such adornments were not merely decorative but were laden with symbolic significance, often associated with celestial bodies, deities, and the sacred Maize god.

The artisan's respect for the material is evident in the pendant's design, which follows the natural contours of the jade stone, resulting in an asymmetric shape that retains the entirety of its precious surface. Drilled suspension holes along the lower edge reveal that this piece was worn as a pendant or clothing ornament by individuals of high prestige, and it may have served as a grave good, accompanying the deceased into the afterlife.

Jade was more than just a material for the Maya; it was a spiritual substance. Revered for its beauty, jade was also believed to possess immense spiritual power, representing the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. The cool touch and luster of jade were associated with water, vegetation, and the very essence of life itself.

Measuring 3.3" L x 1.5" W (8.4 cm x 3.8 cm), with the modern strand it is suspended from being 26" L (66 cm), this artifact is in excellent condition with only light surface wear and earthen encrustations that highlight its historical journey through time.

The pendant's provenance is from the private Dunn collection in Ferndale, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2004, ensuring its authenticity and lineage. The inclusion of a modern strand makes this ancient pendant wearable today, bridging the past with the present.

This Maya Jadeite Lord Pendant is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a conduit to the ancient world, offering a tangible connection to the mystical beliefs and social hierarchies of the Maya. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its value as a piece of cultural heritage.

Visual Analysis:
The Maya Jadeite Lord Pendant is an exquisite artifact, its imagery and craftsmanship offering insight into the Late Classic Maya period. The depiction of the lord with crossed arms and an intricate headdress suggests a person of high rank, possibly a ruler or a noble. The use of jadeite, a material highly valued by the Maya, indicates the importance of the figure represented. The precise carving techniques, including the string-cut details and the intentional preservation of the jade's natural shape, underscore the value placed on the material and the skill of the artisan. The presence of suspension holes suggests its use as a wearable symbol of status, possibly during significant ceremonies or as an elite burial accompaniment. This pendant is not only a testament to the artisan's talent but also to the complex social and religious structures of the Maya civilization.