Lot 32

Maya Pendants & Beads | Jade, Omphacite, & Greenstone | Group of 10

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Lot 32
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Maya Pendants & Beads | Jade, Omphacite, & Greenstone | Group of 10
Maya Pendants & Beads | Jade, Omphacite, & Greenstone | Group of 10
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Maya Pendants & Beads | Jade, Omphacite, & Greenstone | Group of 10

Estimate: $800 - $1,200
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerica, Maya, ca. 250–900 CE. A handsome assemblage of ten Maya hardstone ornaments, ranging across the chromatic and material spectrum that ancient lapidaries prized above all other substances. The group comprises two carved plaque pendants, one of true jadeite jade incised with a glyph-like profile of curling volutes and lidded eye, the other of darker omphacite jade rendered with a related pseudo-glyph composition; an abstract figural pendant of omphacite jade reduced to blocky planes and grooves suggestive of a seated or crouching being; a substantial cylindrical bead of pale jade pierced longitudinally and laterally; a smaller cylinder of omphacite jade; and five barrel beads graduating in size, executed variously in jade, omphacite jade, and a softer greenstone. Throughout the ancient Maya world, jadeite, sourced almost exclusively from the Motagua River valley of present-day Guatemala, was the most sacred of materials. Its watery green hue evoked young maize, standing water, and the breath of life itself, ik', and pieces of worked jade adorned the bodies of rulers in life and accompanied them into the tomb. Pendants of this scale were strung as pectorals, sewn onto headdresses, or suspended at the wrist and ear, while barrel and cylinder beads were threaded into elaborate necklaces and bracelets that signaled rank and divine connection. The slightly differing tones of true jadeite, the chromium-rich omphacite variety, and the related greenstones gathered here speak to the discerning eye of Maya artisans, who matched material to meaning with patient skill. Size of largest: 1.7" W x 1.9" H (4.3 cm W x 4.8 cm H).

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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Item # 203177

  • Condition: Excellent. One has loss to corner and bead beads have a few chips, but others are intact. Weathering to surfaces, but otherwise great remaining detail. All wearable as beads or pendants. Accompanied by custom display case.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000