Jade has been part of Mayan funerals since the beginning of that civilization. This stone became a fundamental part of society and due to its great healing properties and its association with immortalitybecame an essential element in the rituals performed when a member of the community died.
In the Mayan people, it was believed that the death of a human being was something temporary and that he was only undertaking a journey to another world. So, when an individual died, his relatives used to place objects next to the body, since they thought that he might need them in his transit to the afterlife. On many occasions, human or animal sacrifices were made so that the person did not undertake their journey alone.Even the placed objects were deliberately broken, in order to «kill» them so that the spirit of the deceased could use them.
Most of the elements found in the tombs of the deceased were made with Jade, from sculptures, jewelry and rings to masks or spheres; all were made to be placed in the tomb of the deceased and each one would fulfill a specific role in the journey of the spirit of the deceased. The function of each one is detailed below:
Spheres: a large one was placed in the mouth of the deceased, so that it would absorb the breath of life. Likewise, others were placed on the palms of the hands, to indicate that the deceased had achieved his purpose in earthly life and that he would carry his wisdom and knowledge to his afterlife; in addition to being placed on the feet to protect the spirit during its journey.
Mask: It is a piece made with hundreds of Jades, distributed in the form of a mosaic and that covered the skull of the deceased; this in order to preserve the identity of the person for all eternity.
Sculptures: Next to the body, various Jade statuettes were placed as an offering to the gods, in order to ensure that the soul of the deceased person transited without problems to the afterlife.
Jewels: Jade necklaces, rings, or other garments were worn by royalty to establish authority. When the owner of these died, he was buried with them so that it would be known that whoever rested in the tomb was part of the royalty.
It was quite common to find in a Mayan tomb items related to the activities carried out by the person when he was alive, for example, warriors were buried with their axes and daggers, which were also made of Jade.
Undoubtedly, this beautiful stone was not only used to establish hierarchy in the Mayan community; make weapons, jewelry or offerings for the gods, but as a symbol of eternity, and it is perhaps for this reason that it became more valuable than gold.