Gorgeous Maya Jade Bead Necklace

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Maya territories, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 500 to 850 CE. A head turner indeed! This beautiful necklace is comprised of dozens of jade beads boasting mottled hues of seafoam green, sage, celadon, pine green, and cream. All of these gorgeous beads have been hand-cut, polished, and drilled to feature barrel, cylindrical, and natural forms. Strung on a modern strand with a lobster claw clasp to be wearable, these elegant beads are sure to make all who see you wearing them green with envy! Size (of necklace): 27" L (68.6 cm); Size (of largest bead): 0.5" L x 0.2" W (1.3 cm x 0.5 cm)

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 beads 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 jadeite contributed to the rise of long-distance trading networks as well as the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166896
Condition Report: All beads are ancient and strung on a modern strand with a lobster claw clasp to be wearable. Expected surface wear to beads with a few minor nicks, chips, and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits in recessed areas.