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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Terracotta Trophy Heads : Guanacaste-Nicoya Terracotta Trophy Head
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Terracotta Trophy Head - PF.3640
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
8.5" (21.6cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: UAE
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| Description |
This bold and expressive image combines the
utility of a vessel, with the individuality of a
sculpture. The bowl rests on a pedestal base,
and the crown of the head rises to the bowls
flared neck. This neck of the vessel is incised in
panels, and ingeniously becomes the head’s hat.
Below the high arched brows, which join the
bridge of the nose, are button eyes with ridged
lids. The mouth is a large oval with the teeth
modeled and carefully incised. Appliquéd ears
are stylized with large lugs. There are incised
stylized "suns" on the cheeks to represent
tattoos, and the base is incised in the manner of
a collar. This vessel is a fine example of a
portrait head, and is burnished with a black slip.
This is also reminiscent of earlier Moche trophy
heads.
- (PF.3640)
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