Finely Carved Maya Jade Pendant w/ Standing Warrior

Pre-Columbian, Mayan territories, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A finely carved jade pendant of rich olive green hues with black and brown inclusions depicting a standing warrior holding a spear in his hand toward the left. He is highly decorated, wearing a feathered headdress with a 'beaded' headband, a 'beaded' pectoral, an ear ornament, and a loin belt - clearly an important figure given his garb. As was the custom, the Mayan artisan skillfully worked with the natural shape of the stone rather than lose any precious surface area. Laterally perforated behind the head for suspension. Custom stand. Size: 1.375" W x 2.75" H (3.5 cm x 7 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Jade was revered by the Maya not only for its beauty, but also because it had spiritual power - it was believed to be the embodiment of the wind and the "breath" that formed the Maya soul. In addition, scholars argue that its color was associated with water and vegetation. While the Maya used jade to create impressive jewelry, we also know that they placed jade beads in the mouths of the dead, perhaps as a means of extending the circle of life. Furthermore, many scholars have argued that the demand for jade contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Gary Ford collection, Brooklyn, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s from Throckmorton Fine Arts

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#127149
Condition Report: Old chips on verso, possibly inherent to the stone. Overall excellent.