The motivation to create a work of art comes
from two main sources- external requirements
and internal inspiration. The first pertains to
needs of a community or from an individual in
the form of a commission; and the second from
an artist's compulsion to express something that
lies deep within. However, when public demand
combines with personal desire the result can be
very forceful indeed. This exciting mixture of art,
society, and religion can be readily seen in Costa
Rican stone sculpture, and this powerful and
potent mask is a perfect example. Masks were
primarily used in ritual ceremonies, worn by
Shamans as an essential part of their regalia. The
mask performed many functions, acting as a
shield, a protector and a disguise to deceive
unwanted spirits. It also served as a "vehicle" of
communication for spirits to come into contact
with the living. Another role the mask may have
played was as a representation of real people
either living or dead, such as warriors captured
in battle. It is possible this mask fits into that
category, representing the "universal image" of a
defeated enemy whose power could still be
acquired through the mask. The X-shaped
patterns on the cheeks are ritual scarification
indicating the person is either a warrior or
member of the elite; as does the elaborate
headband. The extended tongue is a graphic way
of showing someone in defeat or perhaps at a
final stage of ritual intoxication. Whatever this
mask's exact function, there is no question as to
its capacity to stir the imagination, taking us
back to a time when art and religion merged in a
mystical and magical union.
- (PF.4599)
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