Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount
Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount

Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount

17149

$2,995.00
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Gulf Coast Region, Middle Preclassic Period, ca. 900 to400 BCE


A finely carved Olmec jade pendant in the rare form of a stylized human arm and clenched fist. The piece is sculpted in the round from translucent light green jadeite, the stone most prized by the Olmec as the ultimate symbol of life and growing maize. The gently curving arm terminates in a sensitively rendered hand with articulated digits. Areas of ochre and russet earth patina attest to prolonged interment, consistent with genuine antiquity. The pendant is perforated at the upper end for suspension, indicating its original function as an elite personal ornament or element of ritual regalia. Olmec figurative jade works, first produced by around 1000 BCE along the Mexican Gulf Coast, are renowned for their compact, symmetrically balanced three-dimensional form and elegance of surface detail.

The arm motif may relate to Olmec concepts of bodily transformation and divine power, themes frequently expressed in their lapidary arts. As an heirloom piece, it likely held accumulated spiritual and dynastic significance across generations — Olmec jade objects were treasured and reused by later Mesoamerican peoples as symbols of ancestral authority.

Dimensions: 2½ inches (6.4 cm) L.

Condition: Intact. Surface shows ancient polish with natural earth deposits and mineral inclusions consistent with age.  Now set with a contemporary gold bail making it immediately wearable sturdy striking pendant.

Provenance: Ex private Kentucky collection.

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

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Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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