Description

Pre Columbian Costa Rican Gold Shaman pendant

Diquís Delta Area; Costa Rica, Panama

A.D. 1000-1500 Gold weight 66 grams

Measures: Height 2.5 inches

Width 3.5 inches

With posture defiantly frontal with flexed arms and legs, this strong warrior figure almost certainly depicts a shaman during his spirit flight. He grasps the inner body of an encircling double-headed serpentine creature whose outer body bristles with eight Spider Monkeys climbing in force. Monkeys were symbolic of warriors in Panama and Costa Rica folklore. A ropelike cord passes from his wrists across his naked body, some form of power conduit related to the braided forms which emanate from his mouth to connect with the five birds which ride the shaman’s head. These birds would have been the shaman’s spirit messengers and conveyors during his own flights. The curl-terminated snouts of two creatures extend from the shaman’s ears to his shoulders. In many areas the shaman is naked during the most intense trance communication, thus becoming a fully open receptor of spirit forces.

Condition is excellent with wear commensurate of age and accretions throughout.