Collection Online as of April 2, 2023
Necklace and Nose Ornament
Part of a set. See all set records
Jadeite-albitite?, gold
Overall: 40.3 cm (15 7/8 in.); Each bead: 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.263
Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
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.