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Were-Jaguar Bib Mask Pendant
carved blue-green stone
c. 1200-400 BCE
Olmec culture
Mexico

#handmade #werejaguar #anthropomorphic #bibmask #pendant #jewelry #olmec #culture #mesoamerica #mexico #ancientmexico #ancientart #ancientjewelry #jewelrydesign #precolumbian #prehispanic #precolumbianjade
Shown is an ancient Mesoamerican greenstone or jade votive maskette pendant from the Olmec culture dating to the Preclassic period (approx. 1200–400 BCE), featuring the characteristic downturned "were-jaguar" mouth and almond-shaped eyes. Carved and polished pale green stone (such as jadeite or serpentine) with drilled details at the eye corners and mouth. Displays a stern or snarling anthropomorphic expression with a distinct central brow cleft associated with Olmec divinity concepts. Origin is from Mesoamerica (primarily the Gulf Lowlands or Guerrero regions of modern-day Mexico). An Olmec bib mask is a specific type of ancient Mesoamerican jade or greenstone pendant carved with an extended lower portion resembling a bib. It typically depicts a stylized human or supernatural face—often a "were-jaguar" with a snarling, downturned mouth. The stone below the chin is elongated or broad, looking like a protective lapel or pectoral collar attached to the face. Unlike full-sized burial face masks, these smaller carved greenstone pieces feature drilled perforations meant to be worn around the neck as high-status pendants or chest ornaments by Olmec elite and shamans. Made of prized blue-green jadeite, they symbolized maize, water, and fertility.
August 26, 2026 at 5:23 PM