Jade is a rare and beautiful stone that was often used in lapidary work for ceremonial and burial purposes by the Ancient Costa Ricans. The translucency of this durable, exquisite stone assumed mystical qualities and was a symbol of authority and ceremony. This ceremonial mace head is carved in the form of a mythical animal that resembles a saurian. This solid chunk of jade was most likely buried with a chieftain or a man of high rank because of its superiority to other stones. The spirited works of ceremonial art in Mesoamerica exude a timeless mystique that intrigues us today.