In the context of Pre-Columbian art and
archaeology, jade is a generic term that refers to
any variety of hard, dense stones that were
worked with great skill by native artists. Although
jade is generally thought to be green, it can
actually be a range of colors. Jade carving
flourished in ancient Costa Rica for over a
thousand years, roughly from 500 B.C. to 900
A.D., although the period of greatest artistic
accomplishment lasted from 300 to 700 A.D. It is
believed that jade working began during an
extended period of agricultural abundance that
allowed the ancient society to dedicate part of its
energies toward the cultivation of artistic
pursuits.
Jade was considered to be a sacred material by
the ancient populations of Costa Rica, held in
even higher esteem than gold. Generally, it was
thought to symbolize that vital life force that
sustains us all. The color green is naturally
associated with verdant plant life. Specifically,
jade was thought to symbolize the sprouting
maize plant, that staple of the Pre-Columbian
diet. It has also been suggested that jade
represents water. Either way, we can be certain
that jade represented the very essence of life
itself.
To date, no native sources of jade have been
discovered in Costa Rica, suggesting an extended
trade network existed that imported this precious
resource from Mesoamerica into Costa Rica
where it was carved by local artists. Such trade
also would have brought great wealth and likely
reinforced the social stratification of the peoples.
Jade may have served as a status marker to
distinguish the elite from the masses and solidify
their hold on power. We can picture an ancient
ruler or shaman presiding over a sacred
ceremonial adorned in brilliant green jade
pendants and jewelry. The ancient Costa Ricans
believe that the system of social hierarchy also
extended into the afterlife. Therefore, jade
objects were buried with the elite so that their
power could be maintained throughout eternity.
Skillful carving and drilling techniques
distinguish this fascinating stone pendant. It is
an exceptional representation of an figure-celt
pendant from Costa Rica. This unusually large
pendant depicts a human figure portrayed as a
figure-celt who is probably a shaman or
chieftain-shaman with high political as well as
religious status. This Celt like pendant
symbolically represents a functional polished celt
that was used as a forest-clearing tool that is
associated with agriculture. The legs are
indicated by only triangular and rectangular
incisions. The artist tackling the hard material by
defining planes, cutting out and sawing grooves,
created this remarkable work of art. The head is
covered by a mask, which is adorned with a cap
incised with arrows. The bulbous cheeks and
large triangular nose are fascinating features and
remain an enigma. Turn the pendant to its back
and we are faced with another enigma: an
incised "X". This must be an important symbol
both politically and religiously. There are drilled
holes for suspension. Although the precise
meaning of this exceptional lapidary work of art
is as yet unclear, the fine artistry of this pendant
clearly represents a highly sophisticated and
flourishing culture in ancient Costa Rica. A
culture whose art appeases our thirst for beauty
and innovation and lingers in our minds with awe
and wonder, reminding us of the distant past.
