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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of Costa Rica : Polychrome Female Figurine
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Polychrome Female Figurine - PF.3346
Origin: Costa Rica (Guanacaste)
Circa: 800
AD
to 1100
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
8.75" (22.2cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
£4,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
As the Guanacaste - Nicoya polychrome tradition
came into full flower during Period V, the long
tradition of seated female figurines continued.
Archaeologists have classified this colorful
sculpture and others similar to it as Guabal
Polychrome. They are dated two to four centuries
after Galo Polychrome figurines. Apparently, the
custom of all over body painting continued, but
the striking realism that was the hallmark of
certain Galo Polychrome pieces, however, did not
carry over into this later type. This figurine is
stylized, her features are not realistic. Her charm,
though, still prevails. She has a tall, flattened
headdress and small ear spools. The lower rim of
her headdress has a continuous wavy line
encircling the entire headdress. This symbol
most probably represents water, so we may
assume that she is a fertility goddess. There are
three "crosses" on the front of the upper rim of
her headdress and one large "cross" or "x" on the
back. This symbol has yet to be interpreted by
specialists in the field of Costa Rican
archaeology. The various designs and
crosshatched patterns on her arms, breasts and
legs may have other connotations to fertility,
which are not fully understood. Her physical
features are stylized. The composition tends to
be a rhythmic balance of geometric spheres and
cones, which create her legs, arms and torso. Her
earspools reveal to us that she is an important
person or deity. Another piece of jewelry, a
rectangular pendant, appears to be attached to
her necklace. Her aura is bright and cheerful and
we can imagine her being revered and held
during rituals.
- (PF.3346)
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