As part of the complex iconography of Costa
Rican gold, the image of bird and man is often
mingled to a greater or lesser degree; sometimes
with more human attributes, other times with
more of the avian. This graceful pendant falls into
the latter category; and goes a step further in
presenting a highly abstract bird figure with
shamanic overtones. The elegance of line and
lovely curves of this pendant show true
refinement. The wings are formed from two
crescent shapes each with a textured border on
the bottom. The main body sweeps down from
the wings, narrows at the waist, then fans out into
short horizontal bars representing feet or flared
tails. The headdress is reminiscent of exotic
birds with brilliantly colored plumes, composed of
a two tiers of spirals and a fine crest in the center.
In its sharply curved beak the bird holds a rope,
which has two snake-like heads at the ends.
There is sense of dominance and mastery, as if
the bird has just conquered its prey and about to
devour it. In this context birds were seen as a
symbol of shamans (sorcerers) and the snake a
creature of evil spirits which must be vanquished
by courage and cunning; a concept marvelously
symbolized in a work of art that is potent, pure
and very beautiful.
- (FJ.6255)
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