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Description

A Pair of Maya Skull Pendants
Mesoamerica, Early Classic Period, c. 300-600 AD

Carved from white shells with details enhanced with red pigment, these dramatic pendants take the form of human skulls, their large eyes and bared teeth rendered with striking clarity. They were once strung as tinklers-small suspended ornaments that clicked and rang together when worn in motion-decorating the belts of Maya kings and high-ranking lords. Stone monuments and painted murals show rulers wearing wide wooden or basketry belts adorned with textiles, jade maskettes, and shell tinklers suspended along the lower edge. Both are in excellent condition, old chip on proper right back side of one. With acrylic stands.

Exquisitely carved and powerfully symbolic, these pendants embody the Maya fascination with death and transformation. Skull imagery signaled the inevitability of mortality, the gods of the hidden underworld, and the enduring power of ancestors, making such ornaments especially charged in ritual display. Found in many elite burials, they are among the most evocative shell ornaments of the Classic period-small in scale yet monumental in their meaning.

Provenance:
Acquired by the current collection in 1992
Merrin Gallery, New York, NY
Herbert L. Lucas, Los Angeles, CA, acquired prior to 1986
Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, New York, NY

Heights: 3 inches each


Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000.

Condition Report*: Condition report available upon request.
*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
November
6th Thursday 9:50 am CT
Auction Dates
November
6th Thursday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
11 Days 14h 10m 28s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: 21
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This lot is in: 1 - Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 42001-42042) - 10:00 AM Central Time, Thursday, November 6, 2025.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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$2,000
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