Monday, April 17, 2017

Strange Jade Pendant For Monday Mysteries...

Ever notice how the finds of one archaeological dig can lead to a mystery about another? Sort of like a puzzle within a puzzle. The following find is one of those cases.

The King’s Necklace



In southern Belize, excavations at Nim Li Punit found a jade artifact. The 2015 find turned out to be an exceptionally rare and out-of-place pendant. Measuring 7.4 inches wide and 4.1 inches long (18.8 cm x 10.4 cm), the necklace was T-shaped and curiously, was discovered inside a platform with the same form. Thirty hieroglyphs describe its purpose and owner, making it the only pendant discovered with a historical account.

It belonged to King Janaab’ Ohl K’inich and was worn on his chest during important weather rituals. What it was doing at an outpost far removed from all Mayan cities, remains a mystery. Furthermore, it named his parents and possible links with faraway Caracol, a powerful city. The jade itself was mined from Guatemala, revealing political and trading relationships never before credited to Nim Li Punit. The king’s presence there was unusual. Even more so was that of the pendant and its odd burial, not with its royal master, but with other objects around A.D. 800 in what may have been a desperate offering to the Mayan wind god, during a time when their civilization was collapsing.

I reckon this is the main reason folks study archaeology to begin with...they are hooked on solving puzzles. I found this story over at Listverse, in case you are interested.

Coffee out on the patio, where Summer seems to have taken up residence.

8 comments:

Momlady said...

Didn't know there was jade in Guatemala until a young man from there taught a jade carving class at the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts here in North Georgia. I didn't take the class but did purchase a piece he had carved. Think I'll have to visit Listverse one of these days. You get lots of interesting stuff from there. How 'bout I bring some blueberry muffins to go with the coffee?

linda m said...

What an interesting piece of jade. Didn't know that Guatemala had jade. Seems much lighter in color that jade found in Asia. Beautiful weather here finally. Momlady, I would love a blueberry muffin - thanks.

Barney, The Old Fat Man said...

Letting you know I am still reading and enjoying your efforts here. Thank you.

JO said...

WOW that is a really nice piece, but how interesting to find it so far away from there home. that is a mystery to be solved. It is quite the puzzle.

See you all on the patio

HermitJim said...

Hey Momlady...
I'm always up for blueberry muffins! I appreciate you bringing some.
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Linda...
I didn't know they had it either until I read the article. Learn something new every day!
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Barney...
I really appreciate you being here, sir. Are you stationary now or still traveling?
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey Jo...
I reckon most all of us enjoy a good mystery, don't we? You're right about it being a nice piece.
Thanks, sweetie, for dropping by this morning!

Dizzy-Dick said...

You always come up with the most interesting mysteries. Love them, so keep them coming.

Barney, The Old Fat Man said...

HJ, I am likely to be bouncing between Gavinland and Rockport for a long while now. Short Texas based trips could happen also. Overall not a lot of trailering time expected in 2017.

HermitJim said...

Hey Dizzy...
I'm happy to furnish the ones I find interesting, ya know? Glad you enjoy them.
Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Barney...
I reckon the main thing is that you have a plan. I've only been to Rockport once or twice myself.
Thanks again, Barney!