Realizing the flora and fauna of Costa Rica
ancient the environment influenced tribal men.
This effigy vessel is an example of the respect
the Costa Ricans paid to the animal kingdom.
The tattooed seated shaman is a very mysterious
fellow. We are not sure what he is doing and or
what he is contemplating, but by the look of his
downcast eyes he seems to be in a trance. His
mouth is also in a rather strange position, is he
trying to curl his tongue? Or is he whistling? The
questions are endless in regards to what
ritualistic task he is performing, but we are given
a few clues to draw some conclusions to the
mystery of this vessel. The basket he is carrying
on his back is not functional for any elements we
may think it contained, but rather a unique
example of a vessel that contained
hallucinogenic chemicals. Looking carefully at
the vessel the pattern work on the basket
depicts images of a bird-like man. This may be
a representation of the bird by which this
shaman associates himself with while in a trance.
The shaman becomes the eagle or condor and
therefore acquires the speed and strength of the
avian world. Notice the third leg of the tripod in
the back of the vessel. It is in the shape of a
jaguar's head. This can be yet another animal
which influences him while in a trance. The
power of these animals along with the spiritual
power of a shaman creates a dominant Energy
form. The symbolic nature of the images
represented on this effigy vessel will always
remain a mystery and forever keep one
contemplating.
- (PF.4287)
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