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.
- (PF.3253)
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