Jadeite was a precious material in Mesoamerica among the Olmec, Maya, and others. Many cultures valued it more than gold. This video is an overview of jadeite in Mesoamerica, looking at objects such as Olmec masks and figurines at Dumbarton Oaks and the Templo Mayor Museum, and Pakal's death mask at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. It also considers jade vs. jadeite vs. nephrite, and focuses on objects such as masks and figurines.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank