In the context of Pre-Columbian art and
archaeology, jade is a generic term that refers to
any variety of hard, dense stones that were
worked with great skill by native artists.
Although jade is generally thought to be green, it
can actually be a range of colors. Jade carving
flourished in ancient Costa Rica for over a
thousand years, roughly from 500 B.C. to 900
A.D., although the period of greatest artistic
accomplishment lasted from 300 to 700 A.D. It
is believed that jade working began during an
extended period of agricultural abundance that
allowed the ancient society to dedicate part of its
energies toward the cultivation of artistic
pursuits.
Jade was considered to be a sacred material by
the ancient populations of Costa Rica, held in
even higher esteem than gold. Generally, it was
thought to symbolize that vital life force that
sustains us all. The color green is naturally
associated with verdant plant life. Specifically,
jade was thought to symbolize the sprouting
maize plant, that staple of the Pre-Columbian
diet. It has also been suggested that jade
represents water. Either way, we can be certain
that jade represented the very essence of life
itself.
To date, no native sources of jade have been
discovered in Costa Rica, suggesting an
extended trade network existed that imported
this precious resource from Mesoamerica into
Costa Rica where it was carved by local artists.
Such trade also would have brought great wealth
and likely reinforced the social stratification of
the peoples. Jade may have served as a status
marker to distinguish the elite from the masses
and solidify their hold on power. We can picture
an ancient ruler or shaman presiding over a
sacred ceremonial adorned in brilliant green jade
pendants and jewelry. The ancient Costa Ricans
believe that the system of social hierarchy also
extended into the afterlife. Therefore, jade
objects were buried with the elite so that their
power could be maintained throughout eternity.
This superb jade pendant of cool green stone
depicts a human figure, most likely representing
a shaman, a magic man and a person of high
social stature. The precisely carved rendering
reflects the fine artistry of the Ancient Costa
Ricans. In ancient times, such a pendant may
have been worn by a person of importance as an
emblem of high rank and authority. In the
present world, we can not mistake its aura of
magic and power.
- (PF.2167)
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