GUERRIER HOLDING A HEAD TROPHY Costa Rican Atlantic... Lot 12

GUERRIER HOLDING A HEAD TROPHY Costa Rican Atlantic Slope End of Period V, 800-1500 A.D. Grey volcanic stone with rough surface H. 67 cm - L. 42 cm Atlantic watershed standing warrior holding a trophy head, grey volcanic stone, Costa Rica, H. 26 3/8 in - W. 16 1/2 in Provenance: Private American Collection Acquired by the present owner in 1991 Fine Arts of Ancient Lands, New York At the time of the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, wars between the chieftainships of Costa Rica and Panama were common. The decapitation of the vanquished and the display of their severed heads are well documented in the books tracing the various aspects of the conquest. Carved in volcanic stone, this sculpture represents a warrior. He wears the pointed double hat, characteristic of the statuary of the Central Highlands of Costa Rica in the Atlantic slope region, where this type of representation developed. The figure holds an axe in his left hand, the right hand grasps the "trophy head" of his victim and he wears as his only garment a belt decorated with engraved rhombuses.