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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Pre-Columbian Masterpieces : Basalt Figure of a Woman Giving Birth
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Basalt Figure of a Woman Giving Birth - PF.4607
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
13.75" (34.9cm) high
Catalogue: V24
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Basalt
Additional Information: K, SOLD
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
Procreation is the fundamental force of
life.
Its
power is both physically and emotionally
overwhelming and laced with mystery.
When
one
comes across the representation of a
woman
giving birth alone, this emotion is
amplified
ten
fold. The concept of a woman giving
birth
without assistance is incredible to
conceive
of in
a modern society; yet necessity has
often
required such acts of strength and
determination. This woman of Ancient
Costa
Rica
must have struggled hard simply to
survive
in a
harsh environment, and she must fight
even
harder for her child. This resolution is
visible
on
her deftly carved face, a face filled
with
emotion
and anguish. As she pulls the child into
the
world, the pain intensifies, increasing
with
every
movement. Though the child is small, it
must
remain strong to survive. The volcanic
stone
is an
embodiment of the strength this noble
woman
possesses. She exudes a powerful emotion
in her
distress, yet at the same time an
exemplary
determination. The simplicity of the
sculpture
and lack of ornamentation adds elegance
and
power to the figure. Can we imagine the
emotion
and feeling of such an act? Is such
fortitude
and
courage conceivable? Clearly it can be,
we
just
need to be willing and embrace the
emotion
with
an open heart and mind.
- (PF.4607)
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