Jaguar Effigy Vessel

The representation of the jaguar as a fearsome and powerful predator reaches its pinnacle in this pear-shaped, highly decorated jar. The blood-stained open mouth, pronounced incisors, and crouching stance convey that this is an intimidating species to be respected. The black-and-white patterned areas, made up of stylized jaguar heads, imitate the animal’s spotted coat, and the anthropomorphic pose, with hands on knees, is standard in Costa Rican depictions of shamans, who have the power to transform themselves into animals and move between the natural and supernatural realms.