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MAYA PENDANT OF THE SUN GOD WITH TONGUE OF JADE
Culture: Maya
Date: c. 600–900 CE (Late Classic Period)
Material: Jadeite, Gold plated Brass, and greenstone inlays
Dimensions: approx. 8x4 cms
Carved pendant representing a stylized Mayan deity—likely a solar or celestial god—characterized by a circular face with prominent features, including deeply incised eyes, a broad nose, and pronounced cheek elements. The mouth appears open, extending downward into a jadeite tongue, which doubles as a symbolic blade or scepter. The tongue itself is carved in the likeness of a human face, suggesting themes of speech, sacrifice, or transformation.
The round disk may symbolize the sun or moon, aligning with Maya cosmological themes, while the elaborate inlays of greenstone (perhaps jade or turquoise) near the base reinforce the object's ritual significance and the elite status of its wearer. Jade, considered sacred by the Maya, was associated with life force, breath, and rulership.
Provenance:
Unknown; likely from the Petén region or southern lowlands of present-day Guatemala or Mexico.
Culture: Maya
Date: c. 600–900 CE (Late Classic Period)
Material: Jadeite, Gold plated Brass, and greenstone inlays
Dimensions: approx. 8x4 cms
Carved pendant representing a stylized Mayan deity—likely a solar or celestial god—characterized by a circular face with prominent features, including deeply incised eyes, a broad nose, and pronounced cheek elements. The mouth appears open, extending downward into a jadeite tongue, which doubles as a symbolic blade or scepter. The tongue itself is carved in the likeness of a human face, suggesting themes of speech, sacrifice, or transformation.
The round disk may symbolize the sun or moon, aligning with Maya cosmological themes, while the elaborate inlays of greenstone (perhaps jade or turquoise) near the base reinforce the object's ritual significance and the elite status of its wearer. Jade, considered sacred by the Maya, was associated with life force, breath, and rulership.
Provenance:
Unknown; likely from the Petén region or southern lowlands of present-day Guatemala or Mexico.
