THE SYMBOLISM OF JADE IN CLASSIC MAYA RELIGION

摘要: The Classic Maya esteemed jadeite not only for its preciousness and beauty but also as stone of great symbolic import. This paper examines the religious significance jade certain types artifacts among Maya. In this study, I note that ascribed a number meanings to jade, including maize, centrality, rulership, well material embodiment wind vitalizing breath soul. Because close relationship spirit, was an important component funerary rites ritual conjuring gods ancestors. Carved in floral form, earspools were considered supernatural sources or passageways frequently portrayed bead serpent emerging from center flare. A common death expression, och b'ih, pertains directly resurrection soul through symbolism earspools. Many imagery found with appears other cultures ancient Mesoamerica, Teotihuacan, Xochicalco, contact-period Aztec. Rather than being wholly origin, many aspects related can be earlier Middle Formative Olmec.