Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 250 to 800 CE. An exceptional Costa Rican jade pendant comprised of verdant green jade, expertly string cut with intriguing representations of a jaguar head at the center flanked by a pair of crocodiles in profile. Quite a spectacular hybrid form! Double perforations through top for suspension. Custom, museum quality stand. Size: 3.5" L x 1" H (8.9 cm x 2.5 cm); 2" H (5.1 cm) on stand.

Further information about the iconography: The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery.

The Crocidilia order comprise of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans were treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility.



Provenance: Ex-private Georgia collection, collected prior to 1990

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#119830

Near choice. Nice variations in color of stone with patterning from inclusions, but no cracks.