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Jewelry
Figure Pendant
Greater Nicoya or Diquis artist, (active )
Greater Nicoya or Diquis artist
Costa Rica
2 3/8 x 1 11/16 x 1/2 in. (6 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm)
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overall
overall
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with mount
overall
Copper
Copper
Greater Nicoya or Diquis Culture Zone; made in Costa Rica
700-1550 CE
700
1550
metalwork, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Jewelry
Gold was associated with immortality in the Ancient Americas. Its unchanging nature made it a symbol of continuity, permanence and power, and it was prized for its ability to shine like and reflect the sun. Southern Central America is one of the world’s largest gold sources, and the gold found there was highly prized by the Spanish explorers. Much of the goldwork produced by Ancient Americans was melted down and taken back to Spain as currency.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1954.37
item
Memorial Art Gallery
2/3/2001
54.37SL1
slide
w/ 54.36, 54.38, 54.66
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
54.37DI1
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/54.37_A1.jpg
Sculpture
Shaman Figure (Sukia)
Shaman Smoking a Cigar
Atlantic Watershed artist, (active )
Atlantic Watershed artist
Costa Rica
4 1/4 x 2 x 4 in. (10.8 x 5.1 x 10.2 cm)
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Stone
Stone
Atlantic Watershed; made in Costa Rica
ca. 800-1525
800
1525
Chircot-Orosi, figures, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Sculpture
This seated shaman figure is a standard type that was produced in great quantities in central Costa Rica. Carved from volcanic stone these figures were included in burials, and perhaps made initially for domestic use.
Hallucinogenic drugs, derived from native plants and animals, played a large role in this culture. Shown deep in a trance, the shaman here is most likely either inhaling or expelling a narcotic. He wears no earthly clothing or jewelry and there is no visible body modification, as he is both of this world and the world beyond.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1969.56
item
Memorial Art Gallery
2/3/2001
69.56DI2
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/69.56_A1.jpg