Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Central Highlands, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An impressive openwork pendant, expertly carved and string-cut from an extremely high quality translucent jade of blue-green hues, with a finely rendered avian head at the top presenting a pronounced beak, partially drilled eyes, and long wings/hands as well as human-like legs and a twin-pointed headdress featuring a headband adorned with incised diagonal striations. Below is an openwork celt comprised of either twin snakes undulating side by side in a symmetrical arrangement, their heads forming the termini, or a bicephalic serpent with two heads sharing the same body. Laterally drilled holes through the bird head for suspension or attachment. A wondrous example! Size: .75" W x 4.75" H (1.9 cm x 12.1 cm)

In addition to the undeniable beauty of this piece is the rich iconography. Birds were regarded as sky animals associated with the celestial realm - the sun, moon, and Venus - where they were believed to serve as mediators/messengers between man and the deities. Snake/serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The existence of two snake heads on this piece may suggest teh bicephalic serpent which was a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated articles associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature.

Provenance: private Vaught Collection, Atlanta, Georgia USA

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