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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Costa Rican Animal Sculptures : Basalt Sculpture of a Jaguar with a Bowl on its Back
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Basalt Sculpture of a Jaguar with a Bowl on its Back - PF.3252
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 1000
AD
Dimensions:
9.5" (24.1cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Basalt
$8,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This wonderful basalt mortar depicts an image of
a jaguar carrying a small bowl on its back. The
sculptor of the mortar successfully created a
continuity of the form by connecting the jaguar's
tail to the bowl. Jaguar, the most revered and
worshiped entity in Ancient Meso-America, is
adorned with incised geometric patterns on the
body and a diamond-shaped enhancement on
top of the head. Its mouth is open to show finely
sculpted teeth. The marvelous mortar perhaps
had an important function, such as being used in
rituals and ceremonies, or used for grinding
mortar or other magical substances. Carried on
back of a jaguar, which is usually depicted as a
powerful god, the substance that was in the
bowl must have been very important and
significant. As we look at the jaguar mortar, we
imagine the Ancient world that produced such
beautiful sculpture, and appreciate its visual
aesthetic and functional purpose.
- (PF.3252)
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