Exceptional Costa Rican Jad Pendant Alligators, Shaman

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Jun 4, 2020

Set Reminder 2020-06-04 10:00:00 2020-06-04 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-5185
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. An exceptional Costa Rican jade pendant, expertly string cut to depict two outward facing crocodile/alligator heads flanking a central jaguar or jaguar shaman figure who stands with both hands across the chest/abdominal area above a matte glyph or woven belt, looking out with a wild feline visage topped by alert pointy ears. The piece is comprised of very fine jadeite of verdant green hues with the alligators/crocodiles presenting fabulous translucency when held to the light. What's more the details are impressive; note the crocodiles' ridged noses, sharp teeth, and visible tongues as well as the jaguar's limbs, digits, triangular nose, pursed mouth, and incredible matte glyph/woven belt. Furthermore, partial drill marks create circular depressions for eyes, the crocodiles' nostrils, and details of the jaguar shaman's woven belt. Finally, there are double perforations to either side of the jaguar shaman's head for suspension or attachment. Size: 5.125" W x 2" H (13 cm x 5.1 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  Jade was regarded as a sacred material by the ancient peoples of Costa Rica, believe it or not, held in higher esteem than gold. The indigenous believed that jade symbolized a vital life force that sustains us all, as the color green connotes that of verdant plant life. Even more specifically, jade was believed to symbolize the growing maize plant, a staple of the Pre-Columbian diet. Scholars have also suggested that jade signified water. Regardless of which meaning one subscribes to, it seems clear that jade represented the absolute essence of life itself in the Pre-Columbian world.
  
  Regarding 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 Florida, USA physician’s collection, acquired 2000; ex- Major Elmer McBride collection, acquired 1947
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #153069

  Condition

  Minor nicks/abrasions to everted area on verso. Otherwise superb!
• Shipping Info

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