gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology, history, archaeogemology, Pre-Columbian jade; Costa Rica; Maya; exchange; iconography, lapidary

An analysis of stone pendants and mace heads from the Las Huacas burial ground resulted in the identification of three distinct iconographical bird groups: harpy eagles, three-dimensional quetzals, and two-dimensional quetzals. A stylistic analysis of the stone pendants from each group using seriation techniques revealed a clear artistic sequence for Las Huacas stonework. An approximate chronology for this sequence was established through the analysis of Las Huacas pottery. Results of the study suggest the local development of this art style.