Jade head on display for students

The Museum of Belize is celebrating its ten year anniversary since it opened its doors. One of the hallmarks of the museum is its Maya exhibit. The exhibit was bolstered today with the inclusion of the Jade Head. The priceless object had not been on display in a few years; however, the museum’s director said it was exhibited particularly for primary school students to appreciate.

Sherilyne Jones, Director, Museum of Belize

“We decided to do ten days of activities to celebrate this milestone and today is the last day of that ten days span and so we decided to bring the jade head out on a special treat for the Belizean public and the general public so that they can come out and really get a chance to see this unique rare object that’s home.”

Jose Sanchez

“It’s been a while since it’s been on public display right?”

Sherilyne Jones

Sherilyne Jones

“Yes the last time it came out was in 2009 when it went on a countrywide tour, but since 2009 it has not been out.”

Jose Sanchez

“I notice you have a lot of students passing through. What information about the jade head is being shared with them today?”

Sherilyne Jones

“Well basically we’ve explained to them the size, the importance, where it was found, the weight, when it was discovered and we try to explain to them the tomb because we do have a replica of the tomb here at the Museum of Belize.”

Jose Sanchez

“So essentially this si one of our great national objects; it’s also on the money. How are the kids? Are they excited about seeing it?”

Sherilyne Jones

“They are so excited. It’s funny. We get all sort s of questions. One guy asked us; if that is the head, where’s the body? They want to know if it is the real one. If it has been sold? So we want to reassure the public again because it’s not something that is always on display, but we want to reassure the public that it is the authentic jade head that was discovered in Altun Ha in 1968 and today is an unique opportunity to come and see it.”