This sukia figure is most probably a shaman. A
shaman becomes an actual vehicle to channel the
supernatural through ecstatic trance and spiritual
possession. There is speculation that this
sculpture was kept in Ancient Costa Rican homes
for much the same reasons that a crucifix is
hung on the walls of many modern homes. The
shaman's eyes are softly closed in a trance-like
state and one of his arms holds up his chin
similar to the posture of Rodin's famous
sculpture: ‘The Thinker.’ A sense of dignity
and sculptural monumentality is conveyed by the
proportions and by the contemplative pose,
which may be a ceremonial posture. He radiates
a tremendous spiritual energy from an ancient
world embedded with metaphysical rituals.
- (PF.3232)