Basalt Trophy Head - PF.2730 Origin: Costa Rica Circa: 100
AD
to 500
AD Dimensions:5.5" (14.0cm) high x 5.25" (13.3cm) wide x 5" (12.7cm) depth Catalogue: V14 Collection: Pre-Columbian Medium: Basalt
Additional Information: hk £9,000.00 Location: Great Britain
Meso-Americans valued human sacrifice as the
generator of agricultural fertility. Trophy heads
of warriors who had been captured and
slaughtered represented a completion of the
agricultural cycle. Human heads were
represented as the 'fruits' of the human life
process. The realm of an afterlife confronts us
with the blank gaze of the warrior. He appears
peaceful, as he has served a great purpose in
enabling the continuation of human life. His
geometric pattern coiffure confirms that he was
an important person. One wonders if he was a
strong leader that had been captured by enemies
and sacrificed. The power and solemn grace of
this piece transcends through time and
captivates its audience.
- (PF.2730)