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 lustrous jade pendant. It is an
exceptional representation of an Axe-God
pendant from Costa Rica. This unusually large
pendant depicts a human figure portrayed as an
Axe-God 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, which is
associated with agriculture. The relative degree
of "humanness" or "birdness" is highly variable
concerning the arms or "wings" of this pendant.
The "wings" may represent the harpy eagle,
which may have been chosen as a symbol of
strength and nobility among birds. These birds
are high-soaring species, and it is possible that
they were viewed as emissaries, the all-seeing
"eyes and ears" of the shaman-eagle. 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. A
mask that is adorned with a cap incised with
arrows covers the head. 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.
