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Collections

Yax Kokaj Muut Pendant250–450 CE

On view:
Geffen Galleries
Small carved jade mask sculpture with frontal face, circular eyes, and ornate headdress band, mottled mint and emerald green stone against black background
Close-up of a carved green jade object, showing a rounded form with relief-carved decorative band featuring circular and lobed motifs, polished surface with mottled light and darker green tones, against a black background.
Close-up detail of a pale green jadeite carving with relief-carved vertical ridges and rounded foliate forms, showing the stone's translucent, waxy surface.
Carved jadeite pendant in pale and deep green, depicting a supernatural face with prominent curved snout, large circular cheek markings, and textured headdress; small suspension hole at upper right; photographed against black background.
Carved jade ink stone with oval-shaped well, pale green stone with lobed edges and low-relief decoration on the interior basin surface, showing areas of russet inclusions.
Title
Yax Kokaj Muut Pendant
Culture
Maya
Place Made
Guatemala, Southern Lowlands
Date Made
250–450 CE
Medium
Jadeite
Dimensions
2 1/2 × 1 7/8 × 1 1/4 in. (6.35 × 4.76 × 3.18 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the 2007 Collectors Committee
Accession Number
M.2007.54
Classification
Stone
Collecting Area
Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes

This pendant shows a ruler wearing the mask of the Principal Bird Deity (PBD) and the flower headband of Itzamnaaj, a creator deity associated with the sky. Kings wore abundant jadeite jewelry to signal their abilities not only to provide agricultural bounty but also to serve as intermediaries between their earthly realm and the celestial sphere of ancestors and supernatural beings. The PBD and Itzamnaaj have a complex relationship and, as seen here, represent the powerful patron deities of the king who wore the pendant.

2008

Selected Bibliography
  • Fields, Virginia M., and Victoria Lyall. "New Galleries for the Ancient Americas at LACMA." Tribal Art no.50 (2008): 74-79.