Large effigy vessels and standing figures
portraying human beings costumed as alligators
are a common theme in Ancient Costa Rica. They
were probably used in rituals where the alligator
image was important, as a symbol of power and
dominion over the land. In the case of this
beautiful figure the male depicted is a warrior
seen carrying his trophy head in his left hand and
a club in the right. On his shoulder are a series
of pellets like a protective covering, as on the
front part of his legs done in a checkerboard
pattern. This protection seems ironic given the
fact his genitals are exposed, and was meant to
give visual proof of the warrior's courage and
'invulnerability'. Also, only the elite members of
the warrior and chief classes were permitted to
appear naked. The alligator mask, with scutes on
the nose and top of the head, was probably
modeled on ones actually worn, designed to
make the hero seem mythical and more God-like
than human. This figure expresses the values,
religious beliefs, hierarchical structure and
obsessions of a culture long vanished,
wonderfully brought together in a work of art
which alone has triumphed over all obstacles to
remain intact and alive with mystery.
- (PF.3670)
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