Jade bead, Late Classic, ca. 550 - 850 AD · Mexico, Maya · ID: 3053031
Starting price
EUR 5,000
Estimated price
EUR 10,000
Provenance
German Private Collection, MunichSize
M: 13 cm x 2,5 cm x 1,2 cm
M: 5.1 inch x 1.0 inch x 0.5 inch
Description
jadeit,
The front is decorated with glyphs modeled in low relief, featuring an anthropomorphic face at the center. Drilled across its full width for attachment to a pectoral.
All jade artifacts originate from the Motagua River Valley in Guatemala. Through trade networks, jade also reached other parts of Mesoamerica. The incised lines were made using sharp obsidian tools. The green of jade was associated with plants and served as a symbol of sprouting maize.
Comparing literature
Hoffmann, Ulrich, Faszination Alt-Amerika, Stuttgart 2002, p. 95
Notices
This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).