Lot 170C
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste-Nicoya, ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Carved from a single piece of volcanic stone, a mesmerizing deity or male shaman with a crocodile visage or mask and scaly crocodilian arms, standing with hands to abdomen and wearing an elaborate tiered conical headdress that is adorned by 'beads' or 'feathers', a 'beaded' pectoral, and knee bands. Otherwise the figure is nude with pronounced genitalia and stands proudly. His fantastical visage stares ahead presenting an intimidating fang-bearing grimace and flaring nostrils. His large perforated ears and nose ring most likely once held decorative ornaments to further embellish the deity. Size: 13.75" H (34.9 cm)
Iconographic references to crocodiles and other animals known to exhibit predatory, aggressive, and oftentimes dangerous behaviors were quite popular in the Pre-Columbian world. However, the crocodilian order, comprised of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans (all treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology) was especially symbolic to the ancients of the Americas. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility.
See a similar volcanic stone male figure wearing a crocodile mask at the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint, Michigan (accession number 2007.145). He assumes the same pose as this piece and a similar headdress. (https://flintarts.org/art/objects/5362)
Provenance: ex-private Sneed collection, Florida, USA
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#138274
- Condition: Lower legs reattached. Expected surface wear commensurate with age.
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