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Male Narrator: These are among the most important known Maya ornaments in jade. James Doyle:

James Doyle: These are the Maya crown jewels. The most valuable and most high-ranking insignia made for Maya kings and queens. They are known as hu’unal, or jester god ornaments. And would have been worn directly on the forehead, perpendicular to it so that they would project outward. And in profile, would be an extension of the ruler’s forehead. 

[rhythmic percussion with native flute evoking period and mood]

Male Narrator: All four of them—including the white one made of alabaster—depict the same deity: a complex creature that shares both fish and bird-like features. They were found in tombs near the heads of the deceased.

[music ends]

James Doyle: Receiving one of these crown jewels was a very important ritual in the life of a Maya ruler, and on many monuments they are shown actually receiving these jewels from their ancestors, in mythological time, or from very important rulers that are helping install them as political leaders. These were probably reserved for very special occasions, and worn for receiving diplomatic visitors from other Maya royal courts, or for public performances in their city-states.

[rhythmic percussion with native flute evoking period and mood]

Male Narrator: At its height, Maya civilization was not an empire and had no capital. Rather it was organized as a series of independent city-states, each led by a royal family that was considered divine.

[music ends]

James Doyle: There were intermarriages as part of alliances. There were overlordships, in which certain lords would report to more powerful lords that had access to more luxury materials or wealth or resources. And in fact, the kingdoms around the sources of the jade were very powerful. Often that led to conflicts. People would try to claim power over one region.