Maya Incised Shell Pendant, Late Classic Period

Maya

Mesoamerica

Late Classic period, circa 550 to 950 AD

Shell (haliotis) with red pigment

Diameter 4 3/4 inches

Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, November 1999, Lot 70; Private Collection, California

Reference: Cf. Easby and Scott, 1970, figure 197, for a comparable example in the Field Museum, Chicago

The pendant is cut from a large haliotis shell, retaining natural iridescence across portions of the surface. One edge is carved with a row of small, tooth like serrations, and several openwork cutouts pierce the lower body of the shell. Two small holes near the rim were likely used for suspension.

The surface is incised with the profile of a figure wearing a beaded necklace, reaching toward a bird landing on the outstretched arm. Red pigment fills the incised lines, adding contrast to the design against the pale shell surface. The pendant sold at Sotheby's, New York, in November 1999, and a comparable example is published in the Field Museum collection.

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