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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Pendant
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Pendant

Artist/Maker (Costa Rica)
Dateca. 300-800
Mediumjade
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/8 x 7/8 x 1/2 in. (10.5 x 2.2 x 1.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Seymour Rosenberg
Terms
    Object number72.016.052
    DescriptionJade carving was likely introduced to the ancient people of Costa Rica by the Olmec of the Mexican Gulf Coast. This pendant is modeled after the lovely quetzal bird (Pharomachrus mocinno), one of the most dramatic and beautiful birds of the American tropics. The brilliant, iridescent green plumage of the quetzal is symbolized by the reflective, deep green color of the jade stone. Although highly abstracted, the characteristic tuft of feathers on the head of a quetzal is clearly indicated on this celt. Birds, and especially quetzals, were greatly admired throughout ancient Mesoamerica for their brilliant tail feathers that float behind them as they fly. It is likely that pendants such as this one were talismans that connected a persona of importance with their avian animal companion spirit.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1-500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya people
    2005
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Guna people
    ca. 1950s
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jama-Coaque
    200 BCE-600 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Greater Nicoya
    ca. 1000-1550