Cats, and cat imagery, are significant to Pre-
Columbian art from very early times. The cat
that had the greatest impact in New World
mythology and art is the jaguar, the most
impressive of the large American felines. The
average size of a full-grown male jaguar is about
eight feet, nose to tail. The lustrous, full volume
of this exceptional gold work sparks our
imaginations to take flight into the ancient
jungles of Meso-America where this great cat
once freely roamed the land. The broad,
elongated, flat-end tail curves over the jaguar's
back. The exaggerated curly-tail may be
symbolic of the hypnotic manner in which
jaguars swish their tails while they are hunting.
The jaguar is shown standing, his head turned to
the side, and his mouth is half open. Fierce,
pointed teeth are well defined. Both ears are in
an erect position and the deyes are large and
wide. Under the front paws are two suspension
loops. The surface of his gorgeous pendant is
highly polished and glistening. The entire
composition emanates a remarkable amount of
energy which intensifies the longer we admire it.
The shaman, priest, nobility who may have worn
this fabulous work of art must have a great
statement by his exquisite taste which can only
be appreciated by a kindred soul.....trudy
- (FJ.6153)
|
