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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Ceremonial Mace Head
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Ceremonial Mace Head

Artist/Maker (Costa Rica)
Dateca. 1-500
Mediumlimestone
DimensionsOverall: 3 7/8 x 4 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (9.8 x 10.8 x 13 cm)
ClassificationsWeapons and Armor
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
    Object number88.0008
    DescriptionCeremonial mace heads were likely status markers that represented hereditary ties or clan membership by affiliation with a powerful animal, human, or geometric form. Like most mace heads, this one does not show signs of use, such as having been mounted on a staff or used in battle, and it was probably made to accompany the burial of a powerful individual. The jaguar iconography of this piece and the very fine white limestone from which it was made suggest that the owner was seen as strong, cunning, and powerful – the symbolic characteristics most often associated with felines – though it may have been his extended family, rather than physical or mental attributes, that was seen as strong and powerful.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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