The Crown Jewel of Belize: The Jade Head
One of the most captivating artefacts in Belize is the Jade Head, a remarkable piece that stands as a testament to the country’s ancient Maya heritage. The Jade Head of Belize, a mesmerizing depiction of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau, was discovered in 1968 by two Belizeans, Wilhem Leslie and Winston Herbert, working alongside Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum of Canada. Excavated from a tomb at the “Temple of Masonry Altars” at Altun Ha, this artefact is the largest carved jade object ever found in Mesoamerica and the Western hemisphere.
Weighing 9.75 lbs (4.42 kg) and standing 6 inches high, the Jade Head of Belize is crafted from jade imported from ancient mines along the Motagua River in eastern Guatemala. Its discovery, alongside forty other objects, has provided invaluable insights into the Maya civilization and its intricate trade networks.
Altun Ha, meaning “Rockstone Water” in Yucatec Maya, was a significant ceremonial centre that thrived during the Classic Period. Situated near Rockstone Pond along the old northern highway, this site was a central trading link between the Caribbean coast and settlements in the interior. Around its peak, A.D. 500 – 600, the Maya population at Altun Ha is estimated to have been 8,000 – 10,000 residents. The tomb where the Jade Head was discovered also contained the remains of an elderly male, believed to be a person of high social status. The discovery of the Jade Head of Belize at Altun Ha highlights the city’s prominence and the wealth and power of its elite.
Today, the Jade Head of Belize is celebrated as the crown jewel of Belize. It is not only an artefact of immense historical significance but also a symbol of national pride, featured on all Belizean paper currency. Recently, this magnificent piece was showcased at the launch of Access501, a learning hub by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST). Through the platform, visitors can explore digital 3D models of the Jade Head and other Maya artefacts, created using photogrammetry with the Institute of Archaeology.
Deepen your interest in the ancient Maya civilization by including a visit to Altun Ha in your Belize vacation itinerary. Also, check out Access501 for a time capsule of old Belize!
