This realistic depiction of a jaguar is stunning
and impressionable, with its symbolic reference
and artistic quality. Its body and face decorated
with black dots and short curving lines, and both
sides of the body shows hollow, cross-shape
forms. The legs are accentuated with brown and
black lines and the long tail is curved to
complement the aesthetic form of the jaguar's
body and position. The open mouth showing
large, lethal fangs and the large eyes suggest
aggressive power and force. Moreover, as we
look into the face of the jaguar, we are taken by
the dramatic expression; the hollow mouth that
leads to the dark interior creating a mysterious
sense of the unknown. Although the figure is a
sculpture, we can almost hear the roar of a
jaguar, which roamed the deep forests of Ancient
Costa Rica. Jaguars were revered beings in
Meso-America, often considered as one of the
most powerful gods. Perhaps ancient people of
Costa Rica realized the strength and agility of
jaguars in nature, in which humans were too
often fragile and vulnerable. Because of such
reasons, jaguars were worshiped and
represented as deities in Meso-American art.
Skillfully sculpted, the modern viewers can feel
this revered creature's power. HT. 21.5cm( 8
1/2IN): L. 40cm(15 3/4IN)
- (PF.3546)
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