Tikal Burial 196 Tomb of the Jade Jaguar - Maya Archaeology

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attributes except his unusual position. A very similar figure
occurs on a plate at Uaxactun (Fig. 82b) (A. L. Smith, 1934,
Pl. 3). Here the figure is in a ceremonial context that may
help identify its meaning.
Whether the bead was strung by itself, or as a back
tie-piece for the jade or pearl necklace, is not known. Its
close association with a “Y” shaped pearl suggests that the
jade belonged with the pearl necklace.
Large Earplugs Possibly Belonging to a Headdress Plan #60,
61 117A-52a, b Fig. 83A Photo 93
Lying about 20 cm. from the north side of the skull was
a set of large earplugs. Their position, some pieces scattered
and some pieces on top of one another and two of the
pieces 4 cm. off the floor; plus the fact that the ears of the
deceased already had a complete set of earplugs still next to
the ear suggested to the excavator that the large earplugs
belonged to a headdress which had rolled off when the tomb
collapsed.
Each earplug assemblage consisted of at least three elements:
a flare, a disk for the flare, and a pendant. The flares
are almost perfect circles and appear to have both been cut
out of the same piece of jade. The stem was slightly off-center,
met the flare at a noticeable angle, shows the marks of
drilling and was unperforated. The ends of the stem are rough
and show marks of cutting; in fact, the only really