The summit of the classical age in Ancient Meso-America was reached by the Maya in their great temple cities. In those temple cities, great artistic expressions such as murals and sculptures flourished. It is during this Classical Period in which artists refined their skills to represent the human forms, gods, and mythological animals.
This green stone pectoral/pendant is skillfully carved to show an elaborate image of a mythological animal. As we look into the carving, we feel as if we are staring into an ancient picture that was transported through the time obstacle. Mayans had a myriad of gods and mythological animals that they worshiped and cherished. The God of the Underworld, jaguar God, and gester God are just several examples of beings worshiped by the Mayans. The elaborately decorated body is carved on the stone, and the small head protrudes out, further accentuating the fine sculptural quality. The Mayans created such precious pectorals, pendants, or plaques as emblems of rulership or wealth. They were worn by special persons or were hung within the palaces. So lovingly carved and polished, this pectoral/pendant must have belonged to a highly regarded person. Although the carved image is esoteric to us, we are overwhelmed by its mysterious beauty and history.