Absolutely voluptuous and robust in shape and
form, this sculpture of a peccary is an
exceptional example of the accurate and
symbolic rendering of animals depicted in
ancient Costa Rican art. For animals not only
made up part of their diet, but also formed part
of the mythological and religious beliefs of the
natives. This peccary may represent either of the
two pugnacious hog like ungulates that roam
Central and South America. Here, its sharp fangs
and ferocious expression have emphasized its
pugnacious quality. The beauty of the swelling
body is undaunted by this fierce expression.
Aggressive by nature, this quality would have
been symbolic for warriors and chieftains to
possess. This sculpture is not simply an accurate
"representation of nature", but the outward sign
of a complex world of symbolism with its own
system of beliefs that are no longer accessible to
us. The trail of ornate designs running down the
back of the peccary may have important
mythological significance. This magnificent
sculpture was not only indicative of the power
and social status of an individual; it may have
been used as a symbol of the supernatural
realms from which this power was thought to
have originated.
- (PF.4206)
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