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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Costa Rican Animal Sculptures : Guanacaste-Nicoya Sculpture of a Monkey
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Sculpture of a Monkey - PF.3149
Origin: Guanacaste-Nicoya Zone, Costa Rica
Circa: 300
BC
to 300
AD
Dimensions:
4.5" (11.4cm) high
x 3.375" (8.6cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
$900.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This pendant has been cleverly designed in the
shape of a human figure arrayed as a monkey.
The relative degree of a "human" or "monkey"
seen in this delightful work of art is due to one's
own perception. Some may see it as an obviously
masked human, while others may see it as a
much more ambiguous phenomenon which has
monkey and human characteristics. This pendant
probably depicts a shaman or chieftain-shaman
with a high political and religious status. The
monkey may have been chosen as a symbol of
strength and nobility among animals. It is also
reclusive in nature, a dweller in the high forest
canopy and a striking image when glimpsed with
its human-like arms, legs and face. The monkey
is the closest resembling animal to ourselves,
and it is possible that it was viewed as an
emissary, the all-knowing "eyes and ears" of the
shaman-monkey. Pendants are found in high-
status tombs. This suggests use in a ritual
context. It is a charming work of art with its
decorative cap and hands on its knee. There is a
friendly smile and an expression of kindness on
its face. This monkey is very content and has a
good-natured disposition. This special pendant
continues to pass on its friendliness from ancient
hands to the present.
- (PF.3149)
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