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 bird-celt is an important and highly
regarded piece in the Ancient Central American
culture, and became a cult image as far back as
the Olmec culture. Its meaning and symbolism
are varied and its dense material is believed to
have been imported from Guatemala in its raw
state. The beautifully mottled gray stone, adds a
distinct and rare quality to the piece, without
distracting from the carvings and incisions made
to create the character of the piece. The slight
curvature of the piece increases its functionality
while the size of the base evens out the entire
composition. The head is in the style of a bird,
distinctly showing the outline around the eyes,
the large beak and the wings. As a whole, this
functional object has also become a beautiful
work of art, which can be admired and cherished
by generations to come.
