Quiquiztli, Maya musical conch pendant in sterling silver

The Quiquiztli pendant is inspired by a carved marine conch from the Classic Maya period, adorned with the portrait of a ruler. More than a piece of jewelry, it pays tribute to a sacred musical instrument deeply rooted in the religious and political traditions of Mesoamerican civilizations. Used as a ritual trumpet, the conch summoned priests and worshippers, invoked the gods, and called down rain during ceremonies of offering and fertility.

Because it comes from the sea, the conch is traditionally associated with deities of water and rain—such as Chac among the Maya or Tlaloc among the Aztecs. The breath that animates the conch was seen as a link between the earthly and the divine, capable of crossing the cosmic planes to reach supernatural powers.

Yet its use was not limited to the sacred: the conch was also a warrior’s instrument. It resounded to announce battles, celebrate victories, or accompany military processions. In Mesoamerican mythology, the conch appears in several narratives, notably when Quetzalcoatl defeats Mictlantecuhtli, the god of death, to retrieve the bones needed for the creation of the Fifth Sun. In this context, the conch becomes a symbol of rebirth, cosmic power, and triumph over death.

Both ceremonial and martial, the conch is tied to divine figures as contrasting as Tlaloc, god of rain, and Huitzilopochtli, solar god of war and patron of the Aztecs. It embodies the union of life-giving and destructive forces—of water and fire, of sacred breath and war cry.

We named this silver pendant Quiquiztli, the Nahuatl word the Aztecs used for the conch shell played as a musical instrument. The central figure, inspired by the original iconography, was engraved into the silver before being cut out to form a free, organic shape—like a shadow emerging from the past. This piece evokes ancient sound rituals, the magic of breath, and the symbolic power of the voice carried by the sea.

Metal: Sterling silver (925)

Dimensions: 8 × 2.6 cm

Finish: Polished shine

As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post 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 complete conditions of shipping 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, Mexico, bas-relief, conch, shell, pre-Hispanic, pre-Columbian, instrument, music, Quetzalcoatl, Mictlantecuhtli, feathered serpent, Tlaloc, Huitzilopochtli, Chac, trumpet, mythology, belief, Aztec, rain, fertility, Mexican, war, musical, ritual, sacred, Mesoamerican, marine, warrior, Mesoamerica, legend, Fifth Sun

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