Incised Plaque
Mayan, Classic Period,
Ca. 600 to 900 A.D., Jade with traces of cinnabar,
Length: 2 inches.

This plaque probably served as an inlay into a pectoral of stone or wood.  It is made of a thin flat piece of jade, incised with the image of the head of the Feathered Serpent, Quetzlecoatle.  Traces of red pigment, cinnabar remain in the incised lines, contrasting well with the green jade.  This is a very fine piece, an good example of Classic Mayan art.