When Costa Rica wad discovered by Christopher
Columbus in 1502, he found a "high land, with
many rivers and full of tall trees." The Spanish
admired the natives, their intriguing customs and
splendid works of art, including their
extraordinary stonework. A prime example of
that stone artistry can be seen in this rendering
of a female figure, sculpted form a single piece
of volcanic stone. Standing erect with arms held
slightly bent at her sides, she stares at us
through sensitive almond-shaped eyes, her
lovely heart-shaped face giving her an unearthly
and ethereal quality. At the same time, her small
shapely breasts focus our attention on her
female attributes, the characteristics that
symbolize fertility and sexuality. Perhaps this
female figure represented to the Ancient Costa
Ricans the eternal mother Goddess, source of life
and perpetual renewal. Whatever her previous
function, the spirited presence of this powerful
figure continues to captivate us, her eternal
powers forever satisfying and rewarding.
- (PF.2506)
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