The King Vulture has had great mythological significance in Costa Rican art. The great bird, both beautiful and fierce, has been the subject of devotion and adoration for centuries. The gold masterpiece, which silently shimmers in all its glory and mystery before us, is undoubtedly an exceptional work of art. It combines the powerful forces of artistic ingenuity with supernatural and mythical imagery. This fabulous King Vulture mask emphasizes the "all seeing eyes" of the shaman. The eyes are so prominent that they literally pop out at us like binoculars. The enormous sharply curved beak is open to speak or screech at any moment. On either side of his face are abstract crocodile-like heads with gazing coffee-bean eyes and snarling snouts revealing its lethal teeth. The serpent motif is seen bursting forth from the shaman's upper thighs. An elaborate pectoral with shoulder blades graces his upright chest and below his waist his genitals are depicted. A braided rope caresses the top of his genitals and may possibly have procreative significance. In the very center of this fabulous figure is an overtly pronounced navel. Above his knees are beautiful raised bands which match the raised band above his eyes. Special attention has been paid by the artist in depicting exquisite little jaguars "running" in different directions along the outside of the braided rope which frames the shaman. The entire composition is full of unexpected surprises and dynamic power. Such an extraordinary pendant was certainly worn by a person of the highest rank and authority in society.