Page 612 - Art In The Age Of Exploration (Great Section on Chinese Art Ming Dynasty)

also symbolic of the mythological world view of 483 484
some southern Costa Rican peoples, who con-
ceived of a general "above/below" dichotomy that MAN WITH AVIAN COSTUME DOUBLE HUMANS OR TWINS
was mediated or synthesized by shamans to allow Diquis Diquis
normal life on earth. Good and bad events could cast gold cast gold
take place either above or below, but is was critical 10x9.9(4x^/8) 5-7 x 7-3 ( / 2? 8
2l 4 x
/ )
to know how the different forces, especially dei-
ties, interacted. Large birds, jaguars, bats, the Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica, San Jose Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica, San Jose
creation force (also a large buzzard or vulture),
and things male in general were above; snakes, Here a man, probably a shaman or warrior-chief, This complex Changuinoia-style pendant anchors
crocodiles, water, and things female were below is costumed as a rapacious bird. This creature the principal elements between plaques of sheet
(Bozzolli 1975, 199-206). Shamans between the resembles a buzzard or a vulture, though the type gold above and below them (see cat. 482); these
gold plaques on these pendants may represent is commonly called "eagle/' The adornment plaques, however, were part of a single cast for the
powerful persons, fully aware of the complex dual- includes dual false filigree crocodile heads on top, piece as we see it today.
ities between the worlds above and below, who the ear spool or "understanding" scrolls along the For some indigenous peoples of southern Costa
were thought to be able to mediate between them. side of the head, the penis sheath belt in the form Rica, twins and the concept of bicephaly were
M.J.S. of a serpent, and tiny bird heads on the feet. With considered an ill omen, a threat to the lives
his avian wings outstretched, the figure perches of all. It is possible that the double-figure motif
on a horizontal gold plaque. M.J.S. increased the power of gold pendants to inspire
awe or fear, the purpose for which Diquis warriors
and shamans wore massive quantities of gold.
M.J.S.

THE AMERICAS 6ll