Basalt Trophy Head

Due to an increase in population, inhabitants of the Atlantic Watershed Zone in Costa Rica were constantly competing for the most fertile lands. Trophy heads were often taken in battle as a ritual act that was considered necessary for agricultural fertility and the continuation of human life. The beautiful elongated eyes of this warrior are open wide, which indicate that this may have been portraiture of a revered ancestor rather than a trophy head of a slain enemy. The geometric pattern coiffure shows that this was a person of high rank and authority. This is a superb example of the exquisite sculptural rendering in Ancient Costa Rica.