Page 618 - Art In The Age Of Exploration (Great Section on Chinese Art Ming Dynasty)

496

BAT BELL

Diquis
cast gold
2
3
/.I X 13 (2 /4 X 5 /8)
Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica, San Jose
What seems to be a realistic bat except for the ear-
spool elements is mounted on a large bell repre-
senting the bat's body, forming a beautiful and
impressive composition. M.J.S.

497

BUTTERFLY-BlRD EFFIGY
Diquis
cast gold
3
12.2x10.9 (4 /4 x /4J
4
2
Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica, San Jose
Here a realistically portrayed butterfly or moth is
adapted to the classic form of the avian pendant,
and imaginary spreading tail feathers have been
added. Among some native cultures of southern
Costa Rica, butterflies, along with dragonflies and
all waterbirds (Bozzoli 1975), were seen as inter-
mediaries between the forces of the upper and
lower worlds. M.J.S.

THE AMERICAS 6 I7