gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, geology

Jade was not only highly valued for its rarity and beauty in ancient Mesoamerica, it was also something sacred, imbued with concepts of abundance and life that included water, maize and even the soul. In offering deposits, jade also held a cosmic significance directly related to the centre and the world. Although much of this symbolism may correspond to the Olmec Preclassic, it can also be perceived among the Maya and other cultures of the Classic and Postclassic periods of ancient Mesoamerica.