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.
This is a magnificent representation of an
obviously symbolic, high-status female of the
Ancient Costa Ricans. Skillful carving and drilling
techniques distinguish this lustrous deep green
pendant. It depicts a human figure portrayed as
an axe-goddess. This is a celt like polished
blade that symbolically represents a functional
polished celt that was used as a forest-clearing
tool, which is associated with agriculture. The
figure is in a formal, rather stiff pose, seen from
the waist up. The hands meet at the belly and
the face is serene, almost severe or mask like. It
is a ritual pose, perhaps of a priestess. This
suggests use in a ritual context. The figure's cap
is incised with a bird, an "ally" of the skies with
rich mythological significance. Below the bird,
there is a decorative band between two solid
bands. The owner of this beautiful object was
obviously important, both politically and
religiously. There are drilled holes for
suspension for this pendant to be worn.
Although the precise meaning of this superb
lapidary work of art is as yet unclear, the fine
artistry of the Ancient Costa Ricans clearly
represents a highly sophisticated and flourishing
culture. A culture whose art appeases our thirst
for beauty and innovation and lingers in our
minds and hearts with awe and wonder.
