|
HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Terracotta Trophy Heads : Guanacaste-Nicoya Terracotta Trophy Head
|
 |
|
|
|
Guanacaste-Nicoya Terracotta Trophy Head - PF.3429
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 500
AD
to 800
AD
Dimensions:
6.75" (17.1cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Style: Guanacaste-Nicoya
Medium: Terracotta
$8,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
The face on this vessel is extremely powerful and
it is apparent to anyone that there must be a
story behind this portrait. The agonized
expression and the rigid mouth suggest this is a
sacrificial victim. The almond shaped eyes are
watching us carefully, and the heavy jewelry on
the ears suggests this person was wealthy
enough to decorate himself. Although the marks
on the face do not appear to be scarification,
they are very geometrical and suggest the rich
symbolism within this culture. The exquisitely
controlled angular patterns cover the back of the
vessel as well as form a crown on this person's
head.
During this time period (500-800 AD), Nicoya
was defined as a buffer zone between Meso-
America and tropical-forest cultures of the
southern regions. There were sporadic
intergroup resource competition and warfare.
Head hunting and sacrifice of captives was
common and may have been indicative of
population pressure or foreign intruders.
Occasionally, a strong leader arose to form
political control and defensive strategy. The
leader organized several centers into an alliance
for brief periods. Such a powerful leader may
have once possessed this vessel in remembrance
of his victorious wars.
- (PF.3429)
|
| |
|
