Maya Jadeite Bird Pendant (Central Region, 300–700 CE)

Arts of Significance 500 AD Ancient 🇬🇹 Guatemala 121 views

A carved jadeite bird pendant from the Maya Classic period, 300–700 CE — among the most precious objects in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where jade surpassed gold in value and sacred significance.

Jade: The Sacred Stone of the MayaFor the ancient Maya, jade (jadeite specifically — the harder, rarer variety) was the most precious substance on earth, surpassing gold in value and sacred significance. The colour of jade — varying from apple green to blue-green — was the colour of water, maize, ro...

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LOCATION — 🇬🇹 Guatemala

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