Pair of Pre-Columbian Mixtec Jade Bird Ornaments
Mexico, Mixtec Culture, ca. 1200–1521 CE
Dimensions: Each 1 7/8" × 1 3/8"

A finely carved pair of Pre-Columbian jade bird ornaments from the Mixtec culture of ancient Mexico. Carved from pale green jade with attractive russet iron staining and natural burial patina, each pendant depicts a stylized bird with elegantly rendered wings, beak, and eye. Suspension holes at the top indicate they were intended to be worn as pendants or attached to ceremonial garments.

Birds held important symbolic significance in Mixtec art, often representing the connection between the earthly and celestial realms. The pair displays excellent craftsmanship and a beautiful ancient surface developed over centuries.
Both ornaments retain old collection inventory numbers painted in red on the reverse, a cataloging practice commonly associated with museums and early private collections.

Condition: Excellent overall condition with expected age-related surface wear and old collection inventory numbers on the reverse.

Provenance: Ex. Lisa Winters Collection, Illinois; acquired by family descent.