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.
Carved from a deep green jade the color of a
forest shadow, this pendant was clearly a prized
object in Ancient America. It has been
suggested that such ceremonial axes were worn
by chieftains and shaman involved in decisions
concerning agriculture. The highly polished
surface and the large size of the piece exude an
aura of power and importance. Even across the
barrier of time and culture, we cannot mistake its
benevolent and potent magic.
