Mesoamerica
Among the Precolumbian cultures of Mesoamerica elaborate burial traditions developed in which the elite were adorned with precious objects that marked their rank and status and served as passports to the Underworld. Jade, gold, turquoise, obsidian, shell, bone, and crystal were used to make beads, necklaces, pendants, earspools, earrings, and nose rings. Unlike our culture where one can wear “designer” jewelry and adornment, only individuals entitled by birth and rank were permitted to wear jade and gold.
Nayarit Warrior with Body Ornamentation
200 BC to AD 500
This ceramic figure from Ixtlan del Rio has multiple earrings as well as a
large nose ring. The body designs on his torso may represent tattoos.
Maya Carved Shell Pendant
AD 600-900
Featuring a seated dignitary wearing a headdress, necklace, bracelets and
earspools.
Greenstone Necklace with Duck Pendant
300 BC – AD 500
Maya Greenstone Earspools
AD 900-1250
HM770
Lip Plug from Western Mexico
This lip ornament from Michoacan includes copper and quartz crystal.
Huastec Shell Pendant
AD 900 – 1460
The pendant features dancers holding a skull.
Coclé Gold Alligator Deities
1000-1200 AD
This lost wax cast tumbaga pendant from Panama features twin figures
that combine human bodies with saurian/bat heads.
HM1008
Coclé Gold Bat Diety Pendant
AD 500-1521
Coclé Hammed Gold Plaque
This square ornament features a saurian design.
Greenstone Howler Monkey Pendant
300 BC – AD 300
The pendant features one of the monkey twins, either Hun Batz or Hun
Chowen–deities of the arts and patrons of artisans.
Necklace with Bull Shark Teeth
Cocle Gold Bead Necklace
200 BC–AD 300
Coclé Gold Necklace
AD 1–500
The small pointed forms may represent shark’s teeth, while the larger
pieces may be stylized finger bones.
Olmec Double-headed Snake Pendant
1150 – 400 BC
The pendant is in the form of a concave mirror and depicts a common
Mesoamerican design motif featuring a double-headed snake. Incised
areas are highlighted with powdered cinnabar, a mercury compound.
Greenstone Necklace from Costa Rica
The central pendant represents a celt, a stone ax form.