Precolumbian Art - Lower Central America and Caribbean

The major archaeological cultural phases in pre-Columbian Costa Rica are Guanacaste-Nicoya and Chorotegas.

The major archaeological cultural phases in pre-Columbian Panama are La Mula, Tonosi, Cubita, Macaracas, Veraguas, and Sitio Conte – Gran Coclé.

The major archaeological cultural phases of the Pre-Columbian Caribbean Islands are Saladoid and Taino.

Amid this diverse cultural heritage, an extraordinary selection of Pre-Columbian artifacts from these regions will be showcased. This includes pottery vessels adorned with detailed patterns, stone pieces skillfully carved to reflect spiritual and functional significance, and bone artifacts that illustrate unique craftsmanship and ritual uses. These treasures provide a window into the daily life, belief systems, and artistic traditions of ancient Central American and Caribbean societies. The collection aims to highlight the cultural depth and sophisticated artistry of these civilizations, offering viewers a meaningful connection to their lasting heritage.


Page 1 of 2

Rare Taino Wood Snuff Tube – Cohoba Inhaler w/ Shell Teeth

Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this Taino Wood Snuff Tube   This extraordinary pre-Columbian Taino Arawak Cohoba inhaler is an extremely rare ceremonial artifact, masterfully hand-carved in wood—a highly perishable medium seldom surviving from the pre-contact Caribbean. Rendered in the form of a seated Zemi anthropomorphic figure with arms dramatically raised above the head, the piece emanates both spiritual intensity and elite craftsmanship. The figure’s face is striking, with deeply incised circular eyes, a sharply ridged nose, and a broad mouth inlaid with white shell teeth. The shell, considered sacred by the Taino, signals the object’s elevated ritual status and underscores its symbolic function as a conduit to the spiritual world. Intricate geometric carvings cover the limbs, torso, and cranial surface, echoing the visual language of Arawak cosmology. The pose—knees drawn upward and arms lifted high—reflects shamanic invocation or transformation, typical of spiritual ecstasy induced during the Cohoba ceremony. Extending from the upraised hands are twin perforated nasal tubes used to administer Cohoba, a psychoactive powder derived from Anadenanthera peregrina seeds. A third opening at the base connects with these ducts, completing a sacred instrument used exclusively by shamans (bohíques) to enter trance states, communicate with zemis (ancestral spirits), […]

More Info / Inquire

Costa Rican Jade Avian Axe God Pendant

Costa Rican Avian Axe God pendant, finely carved from lustrous green jade, is a powerful example of Pre-Columbian artistry from the Greater Nicoya region

More Info / Inquire

Taino Shell Mask Pendant

An excellent Taíno shell pendant featuring a striking anthropomorphic mask design. The shell has been carefully carved and perforated to create a stylized face

More Info / Inquire

Taino Cacique Duho Ritual Seat

Rare Taino duho ritual seat (ca. 1000–1500 AD) with Zemi head carvings, crafted from lignum vitae. Discover this ceremonial artifact of Taino elite culture

More Info / Inquire

An Exquisite Taino Bone Purging Stick

The Taino purging stick, also known as the spatula, vomitivo, or vomit stick, was a significant tool in spiritual cleansing rituals. Carved from materials like

More Info / Inquire

Guanacaste-Nicoya Jade Bird-Celt Pendant

Bird celt with a smoothly flowing shape sets off admirably the quality of the stone and its polish. Gorgeous pale sea-green jade with veins of white. Rounded...

More Info / Inquire

Nicoya Teeth, Stone and Shell Choker

This stunning, colorful choker necklace is from the ancient Nicoya region of Costa Rica. It is a remarkable example of pre-Columbian jewelry artistry...

More Info / Inquire

Coclé Macaracas Pedestal Plate

The imagery on this vessel depicts an early-stage shaman transforming into a saurian creature within the basin. Long exaggerated claws with serrated stingray

More Info / Inquire

Guanacaste-Nicoya Jade Axe God

This Olmecoid-type jade celt features exquisite low-relief carving with fine curvilinear incising, presenting a highly polished surface. It includes drilled...

More Info / Inquire

Guanacaste Costa Rican Incensario

A wonderful Potosi Applique with crocodilian effigy. This ritual incense burner has a top cover finalized with a portrayal of an aggressive spiny Caiman...

More Info / Inquire

Costa Rican Stone Sukia

This finely crafted small sculpture, carved from rough volcanic stone, depicts a seated nude Sukia medicine man from the Guapiles region of Costa Rica...

More Info / Inquire

Costa Rican Stone Trophy Head

This finely crafted Costa Rican trophy head is a striking representation of ancient artistry, carved from a fine-grained basalt stone. The stone's quality is...

More Info / Inquire

Page 1 of 2