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.
Pre-Columbian peoples were dependent upon
the land and water for their existence. As a
result, they held a deep respect for those
resourses and the other creatures that shared
them, incorporating native animals into their
religious beliefs and rituals. Pre-Columbian art
differs from that of similar Mesoamerican or
South American cultures, most notably in its
accurate depiction of the flora and fauna of the
region. The art illustrates the close relationship
between the people of Costa Rica and their
environment. Objects in gold and jade were
recovered from tombs and archaeological sites
and represent prized objects from the cultural
wealth of the country that Christopher Columbus
names the "Rich Coast." This jade owl is a
perfect example of the artistic expertise of Pre-
Columbian civilizations. Although simple in
form, the carving is instantly recognizable from
the big round eyes and pointed beak to the
plump body and angular wings. A masterpiece
of naturalistic observation, this pendant most
likely was worn during elaborate ceremonies.
Today in our urban world of sidewalks and
stoplights, we have lost the close link to the
natural world we all once shared. This piece
harkens back to an age where man acted with
nature, not against it.
