With stylized abstraction, this superb carved jade
represents a fierce snarling jaguar head.
Throughout Ancient America, the jaguar was
worshipped as a God, a sacred symbol of power
and regality. Among the peoples of Costa Rica, a
ceremonial mace head represented worldly status
and authority. Derived from a weapon of war,
carried atop a staff, like a scepter or a royal flail,
these mace heads identified clans or individuals
of importance. One look at this splendid jade
will assure us that it was the insignia of a high-
ranking person or group. Even in a world with
different priorities, it radiates an aura of strength
and authority that is unmistakable.
- (PF.2175)
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