Large Maya Omphacite Jade Earspool w/ Beads (3 pcs)

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. This is a gorgeous collection of 3 Maya omphacite jade adornments: an earspool, a tubular bead, and a spherical bead finial. When illuminated from behind, the surface of the earspool glows, and the discoidal flared rim is deeply incised with scalloped patterns that have been enhanced by a modern red pigment to show how cinnabar may have been applied to this area. The attached tubular bead is pecked and polished, a thread can easily pass through the drilled center to connect earspool's plug, and the plug is pierced through the sides in two places for securing the threads. The last bead is a polished into a spherical shape, also drilled laterally through for suspension. These pieces are strung together in modern times with modern threads to accurately portray the earspool assemblage, the result is quite attractive. Size (earspool): 2.8" Diameter (7.1 cm); (tubular bead): 4" L x 0.5" W (10.2 cm x 1.3 cm); (spherical bead): 0.65" W (1.7 cm)

Only the most elite personages in Maya society were able to wear ear spools made of jade. The Maya believed that ears were the conduits for spiritual energy, and so ear ornaments like these took on significant meaning. Some scholars have argued that the stretching of earlobes -- done progressively through spool sizes to limit tearing and pain - may have been a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood for the Maya. Beautiful and vibrantly green, with swirls of white, these jade pieces are stunning.

Provenance: ex-Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA collection; ex-Malone, Texas, USA collection, acquired prior to 1970

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#168556
Condition Report: Chip to rim of spool and underside. Nicks to opening rim on tubular stone. Surface abrasions and chip to spherical bead. Overall, these are in excellent condition. The red pigment on earspool is a modern enhancement. There are 3 ancient stone pieces that are tied together with modern threads to demonstrate how they could be assembled.