Expertly carved from a single piece of volcanic
rock with only the use of stone and wood tools
plus abrasives, this dramatic warrior figure is a
brilliant example of the Pre-Columbian
sculptural skills of the ancient artisans from the
Atlantic Watershed zone of Costa Rica. Standing
in an erect posture, the proud warrior holds the
attributes of war. In his left hand he holds up a
shrunken trophy head, as if proudly displaying it
for us, while his right hand he grasps his
indispensable weapon of war, the double-bitted
axe. About his waist bark or cloth armor is
depicted through the artist's clever use of incised
geometric patterns. Subtle carving on his chest
highlights the warrior's pectoral muscles,
emphasizing his superior strength. To
experience this magnificent work of ancient
stone sculpting is to engage us in a magical
journey through time and space, for this
powerful carved stone warrior continues to elicit
sensory responses from all who behold him,
whether it be past or present.
- (PF.2503)
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