Stone of Kings by Gerard Helferich, Lyons Press, 2012, 286 pages (hardcover).
The subtitle of this book, “In Search of the Lost Jade of the Maya,” delivers a nutshell synopsis.
The Maya treasured jade above gold and left many remarkable artifacts in their “lost” cities. Archaeologists who found the relics could only guess at the source of the jade; there were no deposits anywhere near. Some guessed China, others Atlantis.
Helferich takes on a grand tour of known history and early research, at last arriving at what seems to be an answer, at least a partial answer, in a remote area of Guatemala.
We learn about jade as revered by the Maya as “a storehouse of spiritual energy” possessing a spirit that could intervene in human affairs. It was also considered a medical cure all. We learn that while the Maya favored the stone in brilliant green, while the Olmecs held blue jade in the highest regard.
The book varies in readability, ranging from excellent descriptive passages to sections that seem more like research notes.
Generally speaking though, Stone of Kings is great read, combining scholarship and adventure. Did the author resolve the question of the source of the Maya’s jade? There’s one way to find out: read the book.
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