Shamans and spirits

4 May - 2 July 2018

A selection of ceramics and jade pieces from the Nicoya-Guanacaste culture, in collaboration with the Museu Arqueològic de Catalunya.


The Gran Nicoya culture has its roots on the Pacific coast between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Their belief system is closely linked to the spirit world, the relationship with the environment and the development of rituals in symbiosis with agricultural cycles. The relationship with the gods and spirits was more the responsibility of shamans than a political or priestly elite.

This culture is known for its polychrome pottery, which features a wide variety of shapes and decorations (inlaid, painted and modelled) and its use of jade, a material that was highly appreciated because of its symbolic value, associated with life and fertility.

The items from the Folch Collection on display in this case are being shown as part of a collaboration with the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, where you can visit the exhibition “Shamans and Spirits. Treasures from the Jade Museum in Costa Rica”, from March to June 2018.

Related pieces

Tripod bowl

Tripod bowl

300 - 700 A.D. Would you like to see it?
Tripod bowl

Tripod bowl

300 - 700 A.D. Would you like to see it?
Globular tripod vessel

Globular tripod vessel

1200 - 1550 A.D. Would you like to see it?
Tripod vessel with zoomorphic head

Tripod vessel with zoomorphic head

300 - 700 A.D. Would you like to see it?
Pendant

Pendant

300 a.C. - 500 A.D. Would you like to see it?
Pendant

Pendant

300 a.C. - 500 A.D. Would you like to see it?

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