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necklace
Look at this magnificent necklace full of jade beads and pendants. It belonged to the ancient Olmec people who lived in Mesoamerica. It was a region made up of Central and Southern Mexico and parts of Central America.
beads
These beautiful beads were carved by the Maya, a civilization that rose after the Olmec. They also adored jade and used different colors of jade. The finest objects were carved from apple green and emerald green jade.
ear spools
These are ear spools worn by the Maya. They symbolized power and importance. Could you imagine wearing them?
Kunz Axe
The Kunz axe is part human and part beast. Look closely at its face. Its mouth is in the shape of a jaguar!
bead
The Olmec treasured jade as the most precious stone on Earth. Their favorite jade was translucent blue-green, like this bead.
pendants
Look at these intricate jade pendants. Do you see the carved faces and bodies?
sculpture
The Olmec became master jade carvers and created beautiful sculptures. We think that the Olmec were the first civilization in Mesoamerica to use jade at around 2000 B.C.
Image Credits:
All photos: courtesy of AMNH, Denis Finnin