June 13, 2013

Women Artists

Women Artists CV04

Women Artists of Costa Rica No matter how many, or few, art appreciation classes we have taken in our lives, it is almost a safe bet to assume that if you are a female you have been offended by the almost total lack of representation by women artists across the centuries.  It is so insidious … Continue reading "Women Artists"

June 13, 2013

Jewelry as Art

Jewelry as Art

A polemic that has been going on for over 100 years is whether or not photography is truly an art form, but if you stop and think about it, a much greater conundrum is whether or not jewelry is an art form. Think about your jewelry box for a minute; in that box you may … Continue reading "Jewelry as Art"

June 13, 2013

Mighty Jaguar Animal

Mighty Jaguar Animal

Brunka Used Ceremonial Jaguar Mask Now is one of the richest seasons for the gallery in that one of our most prized categories, the used ceremonial mask, has been replenished thanks to the recent arrival of masks purchased from the recently held ceremonies in the Brunka villages.  We are excited to share about the mighty … Continue reading "Mighty Jaguar Animal"

June 13, 2013

Folk Art of Costa Rica

Folk Art of Costa Rica

Folk Art: Original Painting In order to appreciate any folk art it is necessary to clear your prior understanding of all other kinds of art that you have read about or learned in art appreciation classes, for it is neither scholarly art, nor is it art learned in classes. At Galería Namu, practically all of … Continue reading "Folk Art of Costa Rica"

June 13, 2013

Molas: Layers of Meaning

Molas: Layers of Meaning

Kuna Molas: Eagle Motif A funny thought struck me the other day as I watched a young girl walking down Central Avenue in San Jose; she was wearing a light top and shorts and her shoulders, mid-back and ankles were covered in tattoos giving the appearance of gaily coloured sleeves and socks. My thought was: … Continue reading "Molas: Layers of Meaning"

June 13, 2013

Gold Desire

Gold Desire

  Gold Charms of a Shaman Getting Gold Treasure ~ Little did the revered artists living on the Southern Pacific side of what is known today as Costa Rica realize that they were creating the very thing that their conquerors were seeking - Gold Treasure! The infamous Fernando (Hernán) Cortés commented, "We Spaniards know a … Continue reading "Gold Desire"

June 13, 2013

Wounaan Carved Tagua

Wounaan Carved Tagua Hummingbird Necklace Enchanting Carved Tagua: Jewelry and Figurines ~ A gentleman entered the gallery recently; he was on a business trip in San Jose. He said he had missed his 7 year old daughter’s birthday and wanted to get her something very special. I showed him little boxes and mirrors and Native … Continue reading "Wounaan Carved Tagua"

June 13, 2013

Jade: Powerful Beauty

Jade: Powerful Beauty

Jade Necklace The Lure of The Jade ~ The Lure of the Jade happens to be the title of an obscure movie, apparently now lost, that came out in 1921 starring Pauline Fredericks and Thomas Holding and directed by Colin Campbell. It was indeed a dramatic tale of jilting, jade and jealousy. The heroine was … Continue reading "Jade: Powerful Beauty"

June 13, 2013

Halloween: Behold the Mask

Halloween: Behold the Mask

Halloween Masks of Borcua Tribe Celebrating Halloween ~ At this time of year, when the leaves turn to red and gold, kids of all ages start thinking of the end of month celebration and what ghoulish, devilish disguise they can scare up. Of course, the holiday is ancient, and anyone can tell you it is … Continue reading "Halloween: Behold the Mask"