This fascinating figure-celt pendant is carved of
jade, a rare and beautiful stone that is much
harder than obsidian. Jade is the toughest and
most durable of the stones, and the flaking and
chipping procedures that are effective on flint
and other quartz minerals cannot work it. Its
superiority, thus, could have become evident only
at the Neolithic level of technology, when stone
could be worked by abrasion.
This pendant is splendidly carved of jade full of
rich symbolism. An figure-celt is a fully carved
sculpture in which an animal, human or
composite effigy surmounts an axe-like polished
blade. Such objects were drilled for suspension.
The figure-celt pendant represented high-
status, often suggesting that their owners may
have been influential in decisions involving land
use or redistribution of foodstuffs. Because such
pendants symbolized power and rank, only
important chieftains and shamans wore the
prized pendants. Such effigies were also
important in rituals concerning agricultural
prosperity, or they may have been clan symbols.
Moreover, its artistic beauty is simply breath
taking; the cool green and the symmetrical form
are visually and emotionally soothing. Its calm
and timeless presence and power appeal to our
senses as it did to people of Ancient Costa Rica.
The jade pendant was kept close to chieftain's or
a shaman's body, perhaps to feel its vibrant
power. Even across the obstacles of time and
culture, the finely carved jade amulet's grace,
power, and magic are evident today.
- (PF.3450)
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