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Collections

Human Face Pendant300–900 CE

On view:
David Geffen Galleries, Stonework from Mesoamerica and the Caribbean Coast
Small carved jade pendant in the form of a stylized human face, mottled mint green and cream with rust-brown deposits, with drilled suspension holes near the top
Title
Human Face Pendant
Culture
Maya
Place Made
Mexico or Guatemala
Date Made
300–900 CE
Medium
Jadeite
Dimensions
1 1/5 x 1 3/10 x 2/5 in. (3.048 x 3.302 x 1.016 cm)
Credit Line
Purchased with funds provided by Camilla Chandler Frost
Accession Number
M.2010.115.350
Classification
Stone
Collecting Area
Art of the Ancient Americas
Curatorial Notes

This circular piece of greenstone bears the image of a human face with closed eyes and puffy cheeks, the carving rendered with simple and clean lines. A horizontal channel running through the back of the object suggests that the original bead fragmented. Additional perforations above the eyes show how a lapidary artist adapted the carving for use as a pendant.

Alyce de Carteret

2024