Pair of Ear Spools Possibly 250 - 900

These ear spools were crafted by Maya artists; although the precise date of their creation is unknown, they reflect a civilization that flourished for centuries in present-day Central America. For the Maya, jade wasn't just a pretty stone; it was a symbol of life, fertility, and power, closely linked to their religious beliefs and cosmology. Wearing jade ornaments like these wasn't a matter of personal style but a declaration of one's status and role within the community. These ear spools, carefully shaped and polished, would have adorned the ears of someone of high rank, perhaps a ruler or a priest. These objects offer insight into Mayan society, where the body was a canvas for expressing identity, status, and spiritual beliefs. The Maya transformed the human form to reflect their ideals, and, through this transformation, they shaped their world.