Mayan cardinal points, mexican glyph earrings (north-south-east–west) in silver

These earrings represent a unique and symbolic set, evoking the four cardinal points using Mayan glyphs, a complex and meaningful writing system used by this ancient Mexican civilization. Comprising four distinct pieces, each earring is adorned with a unique Mayan glyph embodying one of the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. This modularity allows you to interchange them as you wish, creating a variety of combinations and associations that reflect your own interpretation of these ancestral symbols.

These earrings are an evocation of Mayan writing from Mexico, embodying the profound symbolism of the cardinal points in this Pre-Hispanic culture. Each glyph carries particular significance, going far beyond mere geographical direction.

East or "Lak’in": For the Mayans, the east is associated with the color red, symbolizing vital force and vitality. It is the most important direction as it is where the sun rises, evoking the sun god and life itself. The east is also linked to the planet Venus, represented by its morning star symbol, embodying beauty, fertility, and rebirth.
West or "Chik’in": The west is associated with the color black, symbolizing night, death, and the end of things. It is the sunset point, marking the transition between life and death, between day and night. The west also symbolizes the realm of the dead, where the souls of the departed go after their passage on earth.
South or "Nojol": The Mayans associate it with the color yellow, a bright hue evoking sunlight, warmth, and vitality. This direction is also linked to ripe corn, an essential source of food and life for the Mayans, as well as the spotted fur of the jaguar, a symbol of strength and power in Mayan culture. The south is thus perceived as the point where life is most abundant, where the sun is strongest, and where nature is most generous.
North or "Xaman": It symbolizes purity and royalty. It is the point farthest from the sun, where darkness is deepest, and light is weakest. It is also where the North Star is located, a fixed star guiding travelers and merchants in their navigation. The north is thus associated with wisdom, knowledge, and direction and is often considered a reference point for the Mayans in their orientation and navigation.

For enthusiasts of Pre-Hispanic culture, particularly the Mayan civilization, these earrings are a true homage to an ancient and fascinating Mexican culture. They allow you to wear a piece of this rich history, adding a touch of originality and symbolic depth to your style.

These earrings are not sold separately.

Metal: sterling silver (925).

Dimensions: 0.59 x 0.39 in (1.5 x 1 cm).

Manufacturing time: 5 business days.

As we are based in Mexico, please allow 3 to 6 weeks for delivery to receive your order for free with standard postal service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please read the full shipping terms here).

You have a question? Contact us.

I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.

By Emmanuelle Guyon.

Tags: Maya, glyph, writing, civilization, Mexico, Mexican, Pre-Hispanic, archaeology, south, north, east, west, compass, orientation, Venus, sun, jaguar, star, North Star, purity, royalty, vitality, rebirth, abundance, navigation, wisdom, geography, death, guide, symbol, cardinal points, color, Mesoamerica, history