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Pre-Columbian Art :
Basalt Sukia Figures : Atlantic Watershed Basalt Sukia Figure
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Atlantic Watershed Basalt Sukia Figure - PF.3151
Origin: Costa Rica
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1550
AD
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Atlantic Watershed
Medium: Basalt
$1,200.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
From the depths of the Costa Rican jungle, this
sukia figure has emerged along with a
fascinating religious concept. The sukia figure is
most probably a shaman: a tribal medicine man
or wizard. He is shown playing a flute, smoking
or blowing and sucking through a tube. All of
these ritual activities were carried out by
shamans in Pre-Columbian Central America, but
the latter two activities best describe what these
seated figures are doing, perhaps as part of a
curing ritual. Due to the fact that some of these
figures have recently been excavated near
Carlago leads us to believe that were produced
for ritual services. Although they may vary in
different sizes, the pose is virtually identical. One
might speculate that such sculpture was kept in
indigenous domiciles for much the same reasons
that a crucifix is hung on the walls of many
modem Costa Rican homes. The shaman's eyes
are softly closed in a meditative state and his lips
gently surround the tube that his hands and
fingers perfectly hold in place. The composition
of the figure is simple, yet radiates a tremendous
aura of divinity and sanctity, similar to the
Buddha figures of Eastern Asia. This small sukia
is perfect for traveling and may have been used
as a protection amulet.
- (PF.3151)
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