In Ancient Costa Rica, the ultimate
symbol of
temporal power for clans or individuals
was
totemic mace. Derived from weapons of
war,
such maces were carried by kings in the
old
world. The ornaments that adorned these
maces
helped identify the powers and
protective spirits
of the carriers. Birds of prey were
special
symbols of rank, as they represented
fierceness,
grace, power, and an all-seeing vision.
Looking
at this elegant mace head, abstract and
sleek in
its lines, we do not doubt it was once
the
property of an individual of importance.
- (PF.2174)
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