A Maya Breast Ornament in Form of A Bird Head...

Description

A Maya Breast Ornament in Form of A Bird Head
Mesoamerica, Late Classic, c. 600-900 AD

Carved from a lustrous piece of mottled brown, gray, and green jadeite, one side of this pendant presents an abstract bird head in profile. It is detailed with concentric circles forming the eye, while the beak bears a series of arched incisions with dots, evoking textural markings on a beak and wave motion. Two drilled holes at the base provided for suspension or attachment to a larger collar or garment, identifying the piece as a breast ornament or part of a pectoral. In excellent condition. Custom metal stand.

Bird imagery was central to Maya ritual regalia, symbolizing sky, solar power, and shamanic flight. Worn by elites, jadeite and nephrite bird ornaments embodied both prestige and cosmological authority, linking the wearer to avian spirit forces and the celestial realm.

Length: 4 ¾ inches

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