Skillful carving and drilling techniques
distinguish this lustrous jade pendant. It is an
exceptional representation of an Axe-God
pendant from Costa Rica. This unusually large
pendant depicts a human figure portrayed as an
Axe-God who is probably a shaman or chieftain
- shaman with high political as well as religious
status. This Celt like pendant symbolically
represents a functional polished celt that was
used as a forest-clearing tool, which is
associated with agriculture. The relative degree
of "humanness" or "birdness" is highly variable
concerning the arms or "wings" of this pendant.
The "wings" may represent the harpy eagle,
which may have been chosen as a symbol of
strength and nobility among birds. These birds
are high-soaring species, and it is possible that
they were viewed as emissaries, the all-seeing
"eyes and ears" of the shaman-eagle. The legs
are indicated by only triangular and rectangular
incisions. The artist tackling the hard material
by defining planes, cutting out and sawing
grooves, created this remarkable work of art. A
mask that is adorned with a cap incised with
arrows covers the head. The bulbous cheeks and
large triangular nose are fascinating features and
remain an enigma. Turn the pendant to its back
and we are faced with another enigma: an
incised “X.” This must be an important symbol
both politically and religiously. There are drilled
holes for suspension. Although the precise
meaning of this exceptional lapidary work of art
is as yet unclear, the fine artistry of this pendant
clearly represents a highly sophisticated and
flourishing culture in Ancient Costa Rica. A
culture whose art appeases our thirst for beauty
and innovation and lingers in our minds with awe
and wonder.
- (PF.3158)
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