The Maya considered jade the most precious of all stone substances. Prized for its durability and color, jade symbolized life-giving water and vegetation, and represented lightening and rain. Its symbolic beauty imbued every figure and ornament with supernatural power and importance. This stunning pectoral most probably would have graced the chest of an Ancient Mayan king or shaman. A chord would have been woven through the slot in the back of the pectoral and the piece would have been worn much like a necklace. Clearly, given the symbolic importance of jade and the intricacy of the carving, this necklace was a rare and valued possession treasured in its own time. The presence of the stylized deity carved onto the face of the jade suggests that this pectoral was reserved for only the most high-ranking priest or ruler. The features of the deity bear the stylistic tendencies the Mayans inherited from the Olmec. Specifically, notice the broad, circular face, the large nose, and the mouth curved downwards. Overall, this pectoral demonstrates the splendor and beauty of jade, a stone sacred to the Mayans in their own time and even more precious today.