JADE

Head of the sun god Kinich Ahau, from Belize.

The ancient Maya considered jade to be divine and therefore far more important than gold. The stone brimmed with religious meaning and was used to make both artistic and sacred objects. The nobility wore jade ear plugs, pendants, necklaces, masks, pectorals and wristbands and kings even inserted jade chips in their teeth.

    Jade was also associated with fertility; with the green shoots of young corn plants, water and life. Jade beads were placed in the mouths of corpses along with ground corn so that the person would not starve physically or spiritually in his or her future life. Rulers were buried wearing jade death masks, enabling the lords of the underworld to recognize them and treat them accordingly.

    The largest jade object—so far—discovered in the Mundo Maya is a carved head of Kinich Ahau, the sun god, which was uncovered at Altun Ha, Belize. It stands some 14.9 centimeters tall and weighs 4.42 kilos.