Costa Rican jade pendants were designed to be
worn, and worn by important persons such as a
chief, warrior or shaman. They are often highly
stylized and abstract; but a few, like this
beautiful example, are dramatic representations
of a human being. In every sense it is a true
sculpture, anatomically exact, and with such
personality one suspects it was modeled on an
actual person. The facial features show a broad
nose and extended ears, which may represent
earspools. On the headdress are two delightful
birds' heads. The figure's body is beautifully
formed, with broad hips, slender waist and large
hands placed horizontally over the abdomen.
This person stares with such intensity he may be
involved in a ritual trance, worn perhaps by a
great shaman who was seeing himself into other
worlds.
- (PF.4789)
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