This ancient sculpture of a human head is a very
impressionable image that takes hold of our
attention and stirs our curiosity. The form of the
head is sculpted in an exaggerated manner,
accentuating the large, protruding forehead and
cheeks. Its open mouth with fleshy lips is
colored with brownish orange, and the forehead,
cheeks, and temples are decorated with thin
curving lines, possibly suggestive of facial
painting or scarification. Wearing earspools, this
effigy sculpture was most likely used in rituals or
was created as ritual offering. The top of the
head shows two round openings that suggest
the sculpture's possible usage as a vessel. Or
perhaps the sculpture is a symbolic
representation of head-shrinking practice in
Ancient Costa Rica, especially with the trophy
heads. In wanting to preserve the prized trophy
heads for rituals, the heads were kept in such an
altered manner and this magnificent work of art
hints us of the mysterious practice. Although we
do not know for sure if it contained some
magical substance, we certainly feel the mystical
power that emanates from the sculpture.
- (PF.3603)
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