Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 250 to 800 CE. An exceptional Costa Rican jade celt comprised of pale green translucent jade, expertly string cut with intriguing representations of a bat head at the center; the bat's extended wings are carved into profiles of two toothy crocodiles. Quite a spectacular hybrid form! Double perforations through top for suspension. Custom, museum quality stand. Size: 6-5/8"

Nocturnal bats - the only winged mammals that fly - were believed to be as ominous as owls among Pre-Columbian cultures. Swooping and darting in the night sky, the ancients of the Americas linked these creatures to both the underworld and sexual potency, the sexual connotations in turn associated with rain and fertility. This example features an intricately carved face with great detail and symmetrically balanced open wings.

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-Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Ex David Bernstein

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#110117

  • Condition: Small chip to bottom edge at center. Otherwise intact and excellent.

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October 22, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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