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Details / Information for Necklace

Necklace

150–200 CE

Central Mexico, Teotihuacán, Classic period

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Medium
jadeite-albitite?
Measurements
Overall: 40.3 cm (15 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.263.1.a
Public Domain
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Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
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Description

Near Teotihuacán’s largest palace is a temple ornamented with green-feathered serpents, symbols of the earth’s fertility. Beneath the temple were at least 120 human sacrifices, most men, many warriors, and some wearing greenstone ornaments like these, perhaps a set. The sacrifices may have consecrated the temple or a ruler’s tomb, or both.
A jadeite-albitite necklace features twenty-seven rounded, disk-shaped beads forming a wide, downward-curving arc. These polished stones graduate in size, tapering from a large central bead toward each end. Their surfaces display mottled patterns of muted green, cream, and tan, flecked with small reddish-brown inclusions. Strung together, the beads create a rhythmic sequence of earthy colors and smooth textures against a neutral gray background.

Necklace

150–200 CE

Central Mexico, Teotihuacán, Classic period

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