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MAYA PENDANT WITH CARVED JADE AVIAN FIGURE
Maya Pendant with Carved Jade Avian Figure
Culture: Maya Civilization
Date: c. 600–900 CE (Late Classic Period)
Materials: Carved jadeite, metal (gilded metal)
Dimensions: Approx. 12x3 cm
Pendant showing a slender, elongated jadeite carving in the form of a stylized bird, likely a parrot or falcon, both important symbols in Maya iconography. The figure is defined by a streamlined body, incised wings, and drilled eyes, all rendered with a minimalist elegance typical of Late Classic lapidary art.
The jade carving is secured in a metal mount that follows the contours of the figure, with a textured edging suggesting feathers or scales. At the top, the suspension element takes the form of a stepped pyramid motif, reinforcing the pendant’s connection to Maya architecture and ceremonial symbolism.
Function:
Bird imagery in Maya art often symbolized the sky, divine messengers, and rulers’ ability to communicate with the supernatural realm. Such a pendant would have been worn as a marker of high status and spiritual authority, possibly during rituals associated with the heavens or celestial deities.
Provenance:
Likely from the southern Maya lowlands, in present-day Guatemala or Chiapas, Mexico.
Maya Pendant with Carved Jade Avian Figure
Culture: Maya Civilization
Date: c. 600–900 CE (Late Classic Period)
Materials: Carved jadeite, metal (gilded metal)
Dimensions: Approx. 12x3 cm
Pendant showing a slender, elongated jadeite carving in the form of a stylized bird, likely a parrot or falcon, both important symbols in Maya iconography. The figure is defined by a streamlined body, incised wings, and drilled eyes, all rendered with a minimalist elegance typical of Late Classic lapidary art.
The jade carving is secured in a metal mount that follows the contours of the figure, with a textured edging suggesting feathers or scales. At the top, the suspension element takes the form of a stepped pyramid motif, reinforcing the pendant’s connection to Maya architecture and ceremonial symbolism.
Function:
Bird imagery in Maya art often symbolized the sky, divine messengers, and rulers’ ability to communicate with the supernatural realm. Such a pendant would have been worn as a marker of high status and spiritual authority, possibly during rituals associated with the heavens or celestial deities.
Provenance:
Likely from the southern Maya lowlands, in present-day Guatemala or Chiapas, Mexico.
