Shell Ornament 3rd-9th century Maya This ornament of blue-green jade is carved into the shape of a spiral-tipped snail shell. The natural model for this jade carving was likely a "tulip-" or "spindle snail," scientifically known as the Fasciolariidae family of shells, a widespread mollusk that inhabits temperate to tropical saltwater environments. Two large, L-shaped holes are drilled into the longer side of the ornament, indicating that it was originally suspended, likely as a pendant from a necklace. In determining the shape of this shell pendant, the artist chased a vein of bright green jade within a lighter jade matrix. The upper, central portion of the shell is a mottled, light blue-green. This contrasts against a thick, curved lens of more vibrant, bright green that follows the contours of the shells lower half. The front face of the pendant is polished to a glossy, liquid shine. The back of the pendant, which would have rested against the wearers chest, is completely flat. Tho