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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