The largest and most impressive ceramic
figurines of Pre-Hispanic Costa Rica fall into the
Galo category. This extraordinary polychrome
figure is one of the largest ceramic sculptures
known from Costa Rica. With her arms akimbo
and her legs solidly placed, she stands strong
and erect like an indomitable goddess ready for
any threat. As with others of her type she is
covered in gorgeous body paint from head to
toe. The overall patterns are basically
symmetrical, with dominant broad horizontal
bands extending from the waist down the center
of her legs. Each is composed of separated black
squares highlighted with white circles in the
middle. This design continues on her face,
running from chin to forehead on both sides. Red
and black dots create a clever type of short
"jacket". Her breasts are also painted with broad
red lines augmented by circles in black. The
effect of these patterns of red and black against
a white background is very striking. Even the
pubic cover or tanga is beautifully decorated.
Both the elaborate body painting and large
earspools are indicators of wealth and prestige.
This woman may represent someone of great
importance, perhaps a shaman or even a ruler,
preparing for a ritual ceremony for which she will
play a dominant role. The sheer power of this
female is quite monumental. She embodies the
ideal qualities of a woman in ancient times--
strength, fortitude, sexual attraction and an aura
of mystery, combined in a figure of extraordinary
elegance and beauty.
- (PF.4256)
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