The King Vulture 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 King Vulture 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 his face are abstract crocodile-like
heads with gazing coffee-bean eyes and snarling
snouts revealing its lethal teeth. The serpent
motif is seen bursting forth from the shaman's
upper thighs. An elaborate pectoral with
shoulder blades graces his upright chest and
below his waist his genitals are depicted. A
braided rope caresses the top of his genitals and
may possibly have procreative significance. In
the very center of this fabulous figure is an
overtly pronounced navel. Above his knees are
beautiful raised bands which match the raised
band above his eyes. Special attention has been
paid by the artist in depicting exquisite little
jaguars "running" in different directions along
the outside of the braided rope which frames the
shaman. The entire composition is full of
unexpected surprises and dynamic power. Such
an extraordinary pendant was certainly worn by a
person of the highest rank and authority in
society.
- (PF.4108)
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