Pre-Columbian Costa Rica - Galeria Namu

Authentic Central American Jade Pre-Columbian Amulet - Anthropomorphic Figure

Code: PCCR041 Size: 1 1/2” x 2 ¾” (4 x 7 cms) Galeria Namu works with artisans who one might call “reformed” tomb raiders – although some indigenous tomb raiding (‘huaquerismo’ in Spanish) probably persists for the black market (Costa Rica made it illegal in the 80’s), on the whole, this activity has ceased. The former tomb raiders are left with an excellent knowledge of how original artifacts should look, as well as, in some cases, how to 'stress' their reproductions, making them look ancient. The reproductions craftsmen that we work with are the same that the national museums of Costa Rica employ when they need replicas made. Their craft is such that they could easily fool many experts regarding authenticity due to their eye for detail and faithfully copied aesthetic. This attractive speckled green jade amulet represents an anthropomorphic figure possibly an clan ancestor, shaman, or a famous leader. Costa Rica Pacific Northwest/Caribbean watershed, CE 350-800.

Museum Quality Costa Rican Pre-Columbian Pottery – Tripod Cup with Mammals

Code: PCCR038 Size: 8 3/4" x 7 3/4” (22.5 x 19.5 cms) This tripod cup with climbing mammals on each leg (possibly martins, or coatimundi) is an example of a multitude of such pottery vessels set on a tripod found all over today’s Costa Rica. Such vessels would have contained either cacao, or maize 'chicha' - all important beverages for the aboriginal cultures of the past as well as today’s indigenous people. Huetar Archeological Region (Central Valley and Caribbean watershed, Costa Rica), CE 750-900. All of the pre-European reproduction pieces in the Namu collection are faithful replicas of such authentic objects (in gold, jade, pottery and stone) seen in the exhibition halls of Costa Rica's world class national museums in San Jose.