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.
Jade figure-celts are one of the most typical
forms of Pre-Columbian lapidary work from
Costa Rica. Their exact meaning is a mystery,
and their symbolism most likely derives from the
equally mysterious Olmecs. This beautiful celt is
in the classic style, with an anthropomorphic or
avian figure carved on top of a blade. The high
crest on the head suggests the brilliant plumage
of the quetzal, a beautiful bird greatly admired in
Mesoamerica, particularly by the Maya. The fact
of the hands folded neatly over the abdomen is
like the ritual pose of a shaman-priest, who may
have worn a headdress made from the quetzal
feathers. Unlike the Olmec Celts, those of Costa
Rica have perforation holes, which show they
were meant to be worn. There is little doubt the
figure-celt pendant was a symbol of authority,
worn by important individuals during ritual
ceremonies. This gorgeous jade and fine carving
combine to heighten the magic and mystique of
this elegant pendant.
