Art and religion, when blended with talent and
ardent faith, becomes a very potent mixture. The
ancient Costa Ricans understood the principal of
transformation, in that an element such as gold,
can be elevated beyond its own intrinsic worth
through the skills and singleness of purpose of a
master artist. Gold in its raw state was not highly
prized by the Costa Ricans. It was found in great
abundance in streams, particularly in the Diquis
region, and only after it had undergone a
metamorphosis into a work of art did it acquire
significance. This very charming bell pendant is
surmounded by a curious creature that seems a
cross between tapir and crocodile. Animal
iconography was restricted to certain types,
namely animals that were not part of the major
food groups. This interesting fact suggests that
such mysterious imagery may have had a very
definite meaning in Costa Rican mythology. The
person who originally bought it or had it made
was undoubtedly a wealthy individual who could
afford the skilled labor required, and perhaps
requested this particular zoomorphic
representation. However, it is not necessary to
know its esoteric meaning to enjoy its beauty; it
is a work of art and as such stands by itself-
unique, gracefully elegant and always enchanting.
- (FJ.6157)
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