Mayan Jade Mask

A beautiful example of Mayan Mask in jadeite. Jadeite is a rare variety of greenstone, and most probably originated from the Motagua River valley in present-day Guatemala, the only known source of jadeite in ancient Mesoamerica. Jadeite is an extremely dense rock with a relative hardness value equivalent to or even greater than that of steel.

The absence of holes on the eyes or mouth for sight and breathing suggests that this mask was not made to be worn on the face, at least not by the living. The presence of holes on the ears nevertheless suggests a ritual use, perhaps as a pectoral or headdress component, or potentially a funerary use.

Dimension given without mounting.