Lot 83C
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Atlantic watershed, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A fantastical figure of a man, carved from porous volcanic stone, nude aside from a conical, pointed hat, holding a snake under his chin. The man is carved with fine detailing of the face, hands, feet, kneecaps, and genitalia. The man's body has exaggeratedly large arms and hands. The snake also has wonderful details, with incised eyes and a diamond-like pattern on its upper back. Size: 5.1" L x 10.5" W x 14.6" H (13 cm x 26.7 cm x 37.1 cm)
This figure probably depicts a shaman channeling a snake medium or in the act of transforming into a snake. Pre-Columbian Costa Ricans created carved volcanic stone sculptures whose subjects are often accompanied by animals, especially those who are aggressive or dangerous, like crocodiles, jaguars, or, like this fellow, snakes. Humans are depicted wearing items that may signify rank or show a social affiliation - presumably this figure's hat would have been instantly recognizable to people at that time. The figure's close association with an animal probably indicates that he is a shaman, someone who could transform himself to visit the spirit world, often associated in ancient Central America with close proximity to the animal world.
Provenance: Whisnant Gallery, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA acquired over twenty years ago
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#122990
- Condition: The front of one foot has been repaired, with a well done repair that is difficult to see. Tiny loss to upper lip. Encrustation in some lower profile areas. Very nice preserved detail.
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