Hand-Shaped Pendant

CultureOlmec
Titles
  • Hand-Shaped Pendant
  • Hand Shaped Pendant
Datec. 500 BC
PlaceMexico
MediumJadeite
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/8 × 2 5/8 × 1 1/2 in. (20.6 × 6.7 × 3.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.
Object number2010.1460
Current Location
The Caroline Wiess Law Building
205M Wiess Gallery
On view

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Description

Blue-green translucent jade was the substance most precious to the ancient Olmec culture. They created adornment and other objects of this valuable stone to be buried with the most important deceased. This elegant, hand-shaped sculpture was drilled with holes to hang as a pendant.


The hand was an important motif in many ancient Mesoamerican cultures. A symbol of scribes and rulership, it may also have signified the completion of life. Jade, the color of water and growing plants, was a symbol of agricultural fertility. The most prized substance in the Mesoamerican world, it was possessed only by esteemed individuals. Jade remains cool to the touch—a magical quality in the hot, humid tropics. The Olmec primarily favored a deep blue-green jade. Though jade was most important, other green stones, like the more opaque serpentine, were also held to be precious.


ProvenanceEdith Park Martin (1917–1989) and Alastair Bradley Martin (1917–2010) (The Guennol Collection), Katonah, NY, by at least 1959; given to their children; sold through [The Merrin Gallery, Inc., New York]; Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. (1913–2008), Houston, until d. 2008; Estate of Alfred C. Glassell, Jr., 2008–2010; given to MFAH, 2010.
Exhibition History"Ancient Art of the Americas," Brooklyn Museum, December 1, 1959–January 3, 1960.

Long-term loan, Brooklyn Museum, 1960–1969.

"The Guennol Collection," The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, November 6, 1969–January 4, 1970.

"Rufino Tamayo: Myth and Magic," Brooklyn Museum, May 18–August 12, 1979.

"The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership," The Art Museum, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; December 16, 1995–February 25, 1996.

"The Art of the Olmec Civilization," National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; June 30–October 20, 1996.

"The Guennol Collection: Cabinet of Wonders," Brooklyn Museum, February 20, 2000–May 7, 2000.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
In red paint: L.60.5

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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