Polychrome Effigy Sculpture - PF.3253, Origin: Costa Rica, Circa: 800 AD to 1200 th Century AD, Dimensions: 13.25" (33.7cm) high, Catalogue: V15, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Medium: Terracotta. This marvelous polychrome sculpture depicts a female in sitting position with her hands on her hips. The surface of the sculpture seems to radiate with its Ancient beauty and gorgeous colors. The orange slipped surface painted with dark red and black is quite elegant. The body is decorated with intricate geometric patterns, and her flat, rectangular face makes a charming impression. Its large almond-shaped eyes stare at the viewer piercingly, and the closed, thin slit mouth seems to hold some secret wisdom. Such a beautiful sculpture of a voluptuous woman was most likely used in significant rituals or ceremonies. The figure's breasts are emphasized with painted patterns and her hips and thighs are exaggerated to symbolize fertility. The idea of fertility and birth was extremely important to Ancient Costa Ricans. Many ritual themes involved wishes for fertility and prosperity for humans and also for nature, upon which humans depended. Wearing a beautiful belt and sitting with regal posture, this figure perhaps symbolizes a woman of significance-- a mother goddess or a priestess. As we look at this marvelous sculpture, we not only admire its aesthetic beauty, but also the rich history it embodies.

Antiquities
Ancient Central America & Mexico