Because of its incomparable beauty and
incredible strength, jade was believed by the
Ancient Costa Ricans to possess the qualities of
both power and magic. Therefore, Costa Rican
artists carved this unique mineral, creating
spirited works of art that gave tangible substance
to their ancient myths. Here we experience one
such sculptural masterpiece, a mace head carved
in the form of a stylized bird. Probably
functioning as a ceremonial badge of power or
the emblem of a particular clan, this spirited
mace head was originally mounted on a wooden
staff and ceremoniously carried by its owner.
The carved bird image symbolizes the original
owner or clan's affinity with avian creatures, for
the ability of birds to reside in the two worlds of
land and air was a characteristic much admired
and respected by the Ancient Costa Ricans. As
we observe the creatively sculpted beak of the
jade bird, our eye is drawn to the underside of
its beak, where the carved image of a man's head
appears, as if emerging from the bird's chest.
Clearly, this human image becomes an added
symbol, one that emphasizes the remarkable
bond that was forged between the Ancient Costa
Ricans and the natural world surrounding them.
- (PF.2672)
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