
Jade bead necklace

Jade bead necklace
Grooved and polished obsidian labret or lip plug / Mesoamerican

Essay/Description
Sometimes called a lip plug or labret, these objects were worn through the lower lip. This unusual example is very delicate and has a needle-like form. Perhaps it refers to blood-letting ritual which was an important part of Mesoamerican religion.
Often they were inset with turquoise, pyrite or other material. They were made by grinding and polishing a single flawless piece of obsidian into this form. Labrets would have been worn by high status individuals.