{"product_id":"olmec-heirloom-green-jade-arm-pendant-in-gold-mount","title":"Olmec Heirloom Green Jade Arm Pendant in Gold Mount","description":"\u003cp\u003eGulf Coast Region, Middle Preclassic Period, ca. 900 to400 BCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 2½ inches (6.4 cm) L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Intact. Surface shows ancient polish with natural earth deposits and mineral inclusions consistent with age.  Now set with a contemporary gold bail mount on a leather cord, making it immediately wearable as a striking pendant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Ex private Kentucky collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53310220599610,"sku":"17149","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17149blu.jpg?v=1776016726","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/olmec-heirloom-green-jade-arm-pendant-in-gold-mount","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}