The harpy eagle has had great mythological
significance in Costa Rican art. The great bird,
both beautiful and fierce, has been the subject of
devotion and adoration for centuries. The gold
masterpiece, which silently shimmers in all its
glory and mystery before us, is undoubtedly an
exceptional work of art. It combines the
powerful forces of artistic ingenuity with
supernatural and mythical imagery. This
fabulous harpy eagle mask emphasizes the "all
seeing eyes" of the shaman. The eyes are so
prominent that they literally pop out at us like
binoculars. The enormous sharply curved beak is
open to speak or screech at any moment. On
either side of the face are abstract crocodile-like
heads with gazing eyes and snarling snouts
revealing lethal teeth. Filigree swirling scrolls
depict earrings. The arms are transformed into
wings with larger crocodile-like heads
juxtaposed upon them. The combination of the
human figure with animal elements has been
considered in some cases as the identification of
the native with his "alter ego" or "other self" (the
protecting spirit). The belief that humans can
acquire various animal spirits is prevalent
throughout Meso-America. The energetic spirit
of the bird is further enhanced by the movable
parts, which may have possibly imitated the
movements of the bird in flight. A shield or
pectoral graces his upright chest and below his
waist his genitals are depicted. A rope caresses
the top of his genitals and may possibly have
procreative significance. The crocodile motif is
seen once again bursting forth from the
shaman's upper thighs. He wears an ornament
above both feet and is standing upon a fantastic
double-headed crocodile creature. The entire
composition is full of unexpected surprises and
dynamic power. Such an extraordinary pendant
was certainly worn by a shaman of utmost
importance in society.....trudy
- (FJ.6048)
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