The fabulous imagery of Costa Rican gold jewelry
is as marvelous as the artistry needed to create
them. A myriad of animals from spiders to
lobsters to purely mythical creatures adorn the
variety of pendants and pectorals. Yet, few have
the inimitable charm monkeys possess; and
when they come in pairs, the pleasure is
doubled! This lovely pendant is unique in its oval
shape, which is powerful in its simplicity and
delicately ornamented with S-shaped designs.
The monkeys perched on this ring hold tightly
onto a bar which is curved at the ends like a
ceremonial staff. Wonderful abstract detail is
blended with pure realism. Their arms are thin
rods cleverly twisted in the pose monkeys adopt,
ending in very finely modelled fingers. They each
wear a sort of vertical head band, extending from
the top of their heads joining with the eyebrows.
The monkeys stare wide eyed in amazement as if
seeing something incomprehensible and very
astonishing. They appear to be riding the ring, as
in fact they would have been while the pendant
was pinned to its owner; who may have donned
it for important ritual ceremonies. The jangling
bead inside would have announced the approach
of the person and his proud monkeys. This
wonderful pendant possesses a delight and
magical charm that is instantly endearing, and
yet mystifying at the same time. Something
extraordinary is going on here, and if we watch
long enough, we too might go along with these
clever characters into another realm. ....trudy
- (FJ.6243)
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