Diquis goldsmiths were masters at creating
highly imaginative jewelry. We see here a male
figure holding onto a circular band composed of
eight small bats with their fangs exposed and
each gripping onto the band. Their tongues stick
out and are cleverly attached to the lower portion
of the circle. They have snake-like qualities, but
the slightly upturned nose and fingers on the
hands recall the vampire bats of Central America.
On the back of each creature is a horizontal bar
curved at the tips typical of Diquis style. The
second animal image is the snake, highly stylized
with heads at the ends of the band biting into
the figure's trapezoidal feet. The man's penis is
also in the shape of a snake's head, which is a
symbol of fertility. The most prominent feature is
the man himself, his remarkable face peering
from within a jaguar mask. This figure is likely an
important shaman involved in a ceremony,
complete in his ritual regalia and carrying a
magnificent headdress. Through the nature of
art we are able to witness for ourselves an
intense moment in an esoteric rite of great
splendor; captured in gold and held there
forever.
- (FJ.6242)
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