In Ancient Costa Rica, artists created dark-brown
or red-slipped vessels, usually characterized by
modeled zoomorphic features that seem to
represent human figures with zoomorphic masks
and other animal features. This particular effigy
vessel is a figure wearing a crocodile mask,
standing on two legs and a tail. The mask is
sculpted in an elaborate manner, with its
intricate snout revealing teeth. And the coffee
bean-like eyes are enclosed in a high-relief
rectangular shape. On the chest is a painted
image of highly stylized figure, possibly the
Meso-American rain God, Tloloc. Such
magnificent figure also holds in each hand
musical instruments. Perhaps it is a
representation of a participant of a ritual or a
special ceremony, a priest wearing a crocodile
mask playing musical instruments. Was the
priest chanting, along with the magical sounds of
the instruments, for rain and agricultural
prosperity? Or could he have been performing a
ritual to appease the gods? Crocodiles were a
predominant motif in Ancient Costa Rica, often
appearing as mythical beings. The amphibian
nature of a crocodile gives them the ability to
live in water and on earth. Most likely this was
the source for the mythical symbolism. Dressed
in rich orange color, this Ancient sculpture is a
magnificent example of Costa Rican art and
history. Although we may not be able to decipher
the Ancient iconography and symbolism, we are
awed and delighted to see this wonderful artwork
from the Ancient world.
- (PF.3436)
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