El Baúl Jaguar Statuette

This is a rendition in Jadeite Jade of the large carved stone jaguar (Its actual height is 73”) from El Baúl, an archaeological site on the South Coast of Guatemala associated with early Cacao production.

The Jaguar was considered to be a protector of cacao plantations in the Olmec and Maya World. Jaguars were supernatural figures associated with the underworld.  Because people feared Jaguars, a Jaguar protecting a cacao plantation would frighten thieves.Jaguars were also associated with caves, which are considered sacred portals to the underworld.

• Carved Jade Figurine
• Dimensions: H: 6", W: 3"
• Weigth: 1.6 kg.
• Protoclassic Period, 100 B.C. - 100 A.D. 
• El Baúl, Santa Lucía, Cotzumalguapa, Guatemala