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.
The anthropomorphic design of the figure-celt
was greatly revered as a cult image primarily in
Upper Central America, in the Guanacaste Region
and in parts of the Atlantic Watershed. The cult
image was probably derived from Olmec
anthropomorphic Celts that were associated with
earth, rain and thunderbolt. The stone Celt also
had a long history in Mexico. The Celt is usually
made from a hard, green stone either jade or
jadeite, believed to have been imported in its raw
state from Guatemala. Due to the durability of
the stone, the skill required in carving such
apiece is very great. The pale green stone allows
the subtle carving of the hands and facial
features to come alive within the stone. The
angularity of the piece adds a distinct style and
character, creating a mystery and wonder that
transcends time and history of which we have
become an integral part.
