The jade and the greenstones in Teotihuacan

Abstract

Jade was one of the most valuable materials in Mesoamerica, and it was used to make many objects, like gods images, religious objects, jewelry and ornaments, among many others. In Teotihyacan jade and greenstones played a key role in the ornamentation of the elite and rituals, reflecting fundamental concepts of cosmology and the state religion. This article attempts to provide details on the symbolism of jade in Teotihuacan, its ideological role and control over its procurement and production of artifacts, from the study of jade and greestone artifacts preserved in the Geramoteca of the Zona de Monumentos Arqueológicos de Teotihuacan.