Ever since it was discovered, the jade head has been shrouded with so much controversy among the Belizeans. For years, it was believed that, shortly after its discovery, this Maya masterpiece was brought out of the country and never returned to its rightful home. To dispel such myth, the Belize institute of Archeology went out on a mission to prove that this unique artifact is still very much in Belize, and that it remains as one of the country’s crown jewels. And now that this has been proven, here is some general information on this stunning piece of ancient Maya art.

Altun Ha’s Jade Head Was Found In 1968

The jade head was discovered at the Altun Ha Mayan site in 1968 by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada. Along with 40 other objects, the head was placed in a large tomb that was located below the stair block on the Temple of the Masonry Altars, at the center of the tomb were the remains of an elderly adult male. This elite person was likely an important ruler of the site during his lifetime and may have commissioned an artist to make the large carved object. It is not known exactly when it was carved, but analysis of cultural remains in the tomb suggest that the burial, and the accompanying grave goods, were placed in the structure sometime between 600 and 650 AD.

Standing at almost 6 inches high and tipping the scale at 9.75 pounds, the jade head remains the single largest carved jade object yet that is discovered in the Maya area. Its crossed eyes, fang-like elements on either side of the mouth, and the ahau glyph on the forehead all identify the head as a representative of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau. Along with the rain god Chac and the corn god Yum Kax, Kinich Ahau was among the most important deities in the Maya pantheon.

Uniqueness Of Jade Head

The Kinich Ahau head is indeed a remarkable object and an exquisite work of art. It is the only one of its kind in all of Mesoamerica because it was carved with nothing more than stone tools. We know that it may have taken several months, if not years, to create. It was also carved from a single large solid piece of jade that was imported from the Motagua River Valley region of Guatemala. Jade was also considered the most precious of stones to the Maya. Aside from it exotic origins, its green color reflected that of water and the corn plant, the two most precious, life sustaining substances to the ancient Maya of northern Belize.

Jade Head Is A Work Of Art

As it undoubtedly was to the prehistoric inhabitants of Altun Ha, the jade head remains to be a very important icon to the people of Belize today. It is prominently displayed on all Belize currency and has become an important symbol of the young nation of Belize. It is indeed a remarkable work of art and everyone should make every effort to view it each time it goes on display.