In Ancient Costa Rica, the ultimate symbol of temporal power for clans or individuals was totemic mace. Derived from weapons of war, such maces were carried by kings in the old world. The ornaments that adorned these maces helped identify the powers and protective spirits of the carriers. Birds of prey were special symbols of rank, as they represented fierceness, grace, power, and an all-seeing vision. Looking at this elegant mace head, abstract and sleek in its lines, we do not doubt it was once the property of an individual of importance.