Costa Rican stonework represents some of the
finest craftsmanship in all of the Pre-Columbian
Americas. Carved from a piece of volcanic stone,
this jaguar presents a dynamic image, a stunning
example of the artist's acute sensitivity to the
natural world. In Ancient Costa Rican society the
jaguar was regarded as the most powerful
creature in the animal kingdom, to be honored
and revered; it even had certain divine
characteristics. In ancient mythology the most
important God, Maira, was the sun during the
day, making the journey from east to west across
the land. At night, however, Maira assumed the
form of a jaguar and stealthily made his way
from the west back to the east, where in the
morning he would once again rise in the form on
the sun. Here, we see the Costa Rican artist's
vivid portrayal of this respected beast, the
animal's awesome strength revealed through the
massive and bold rendering of his body. A feline
face, complete with snarling fangs and staring
eyes adds a potent dimension to the sculpture.
Clearly, the commanding presence of this ancient
stone sculpture has withstood the passage of
time, exhibiting a cosmic force that is eternal in
its ability to touch our inner senses.
- (PF.2500)
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