Figure
Artist/Maker
Diquis
(Costa Rica) Dateca. 800-1550
Mediumbasalt
DimensionsOverall: 10 3/8 x 8 x 3 1/4 in. (26.4 x 20.3 x 8.3 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of David Trout
Object number75.024.001
DescriptionOf ambiguous gender, this rather large stone figure is a good example of an artifact unique to the Costa Rican Diquis Zone. Known as peg-based sculptures for the extensions below the feet or grip stones, these solid carved figures may have been tomb markers. In this piece the torso and arms are of the same width, and the artist has gone to great effort to open up the solid piece of basalt in order to differentiate these body parts. The costume and facial expression are typical for this style of figure where bared teeth and baggy eyes may indicate an elder shaman in the midst of a hallucinogenic trance.
