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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Basalt Sculptures : Basalt Standing Male Figure
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Basalt Standing Male Figure - PF.3432
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
18.5" (47.0cm) high
x 11.5" (29.2cm) wide
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Basalt
$8,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This extraordinary basalt sculpture of a man
stands stoutly, holding a human head in his left
hand and carrying a weapon-like object on his
right shoulder it is sculpted in a simple
geometric manner with large incision lines which
define facial features and physical structure. This
simplicity attributes the stone figure qualities
such a sense of physical presence and weight
that are appropriate for the magnificent man
wearing befitting bodily adornments. The
powerful figure wears a flat cap-like headdress
and a waistband that is decorated with geometric
incised patterns. Also holding a human head and
a weapon, the figure generates a stature of
royalty and/or an honorable warrior during this
period in Costa Rica; people took trophy heads
in battles for human sacrifice to please the god
and to maintain agricultural fertility. Because of
the strong belief in human sacrifice pleasing the
god, conquests and wars became the fight to
obtain victims for human sacrifice. And what
could be more valuable than a man of royalty
offering his trophy head? Holding the prized
head, the strong man stands proudly, displaying
the honor and pride he has earned.
- (PF.3432)
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