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.
This beautifully carved pair of jade pendants
represents two solemn anthropomorphic figures,
which elude a graceful timelessness. The
smoothly carved and polished surface of the pair
of jade pendants indicates a fine craftsmanship
and a religious effort to create the set of magical
pendants. This unique set of pendants shows
two figures skillfully carved from one jade. One
figure representing a male and the other
representing a female, the pair of pendants is a
source of spiritual strength that originates from
both genders. Worn by chieftains and shamans
during ritualistic ceremonies, the vibrant power
and magic of the jade pendants were applied to
bring prosperity and abundance. Perhaps the
pair of pendants of both genders signified
fertility and strength of female and male
genders. Such precious amulets also indicated
rank and authority of chieftains who wore the
prized pendants. The mesmerizing quality that
feels poignant and hypnotizing surrounds the
pair of pendants of both genders. Perhaps such
mystical qualities gave the wearer of the
pendants a sense of strength and power of each
gender. Even across the obstacles of time and
culture, these finely carved jade amulets' grace
and power are evident today.
