This magnificent basalt sculpture of a warrior
stands proudly, holding a weapon and a trophy
head of his victim from a battle. Adorned with
decorations such as the headdress, bracelet,
necklace, and a belt, this warrior most likely was
a person of importance or of high social status.
It is sculpted in a simple geometric manner with
large incision lines, which define bold facial
features and muscle tones. This simplicity
attributes the basalt stone figure the crucial
aesthetic qualities such as a sense of physical
presence and weight. Such powerful figure
displays his strength by his arm raised over his
shoulder, holding a weapon. Perhaps he has just
won a battle from which he took the trophy head
of his victim. And the proud stature certainly
portrays power and dominance of a victorious
warrior. Such prized trophy head was an
important offering in ceremonial rituals. During
this period in Costa Rica, people took trophy
heads in battles for human sacrifice to please the
God and to maintain agricultural fertility.
Because of the strong belief in human sacrifice
and pleasing the God, conquests and wars
became the fight to obtain victims for sacrificial
rituals. Holding the prized head, the warrior
stands proudly, displaying the honor and pride
he has earned.
- (PF.3153)
|
