Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 250 to 800 CE. An exceptional Costa Rican jade pendant comprised of translucent blue-green jade, expertly string cut with an intriguing representation of a bat, its head/abstract visage and extended wings finely delineated. Interestingly, the wings have additional zoomorphic characteristics (note the partially pierced eye-like and limb-like forms). Biconically drilled for suspension at upper junctures between head and wings. Size: 2.75" L x 1.375" H (7 cm x 3.5 cm)

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.

Provenance: private California, USA collection acquired over fifteen years ago

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#125512

  • Condition: A few surface nicks with encrustation/deposits as shown.

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July 20, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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