Throughout Central and South America the
jaguar was regarded with superstition and awe.
For centuries a widespread religion existed based
on a feline deity as its cult figure. The jaguar was
a powerful god, perhaps the most powerful, and
was often represented in various objects.
However, few could have equaled this
magnificent specimen. Every aspect of this
work of art proclaims the artist's skill. The jaguar
is in a crouching pose, with its back arched,
having just made a kill. The deer in its mouth is
cleverly diminished in size to make the jaguar
seem larger than life. Yet, the realism is very
impressive. Both animals are given extensive
realistic detail- the deer has delicate horns and
its mouth is open in pain. The jaguar has black
spots of different sizes on a ground of reddish-
tan depicting its coat. There is movement in its
static pose, as if the violent act of feeding is still
palpable in the air. The artist of this sculpture
has left a permanent record of his veneration for
his art and respect for the mighty jaguar. HT.
16.5cm(6 1/2IN) : L. 43.2cm(17IN)
- (PF.4392)
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