Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Ca 100 to 500 CE. A large and heavy stone sculpture carved from a rich deep green jade; depicts a jaguar seated on its hind haunches, an almost human pose representing a shaman who has been transformed into a jaguar during a hallucinogenic transformational ritual. Since jaguars were the most powerful animal of the jungle shamans and kings sought to assume their power during these transformational ceremonies. Carving has been masterfully done with drilled eyes and mouth, string-cut facial features and appendages. 4"H x 2-1/2"W.

PROVENANCE: Ex-private Chicago, IL Collection.

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