**Originally Listed At $400**

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Huetar peoples, 16th century CE. Skillfully carved from a single piece of volcanic stone, a sculpture of a human trophy head with a mesmerizing visage comprised of coffee bean shaped eyes, a prominent naturalistic nose, slightly parted lips, protruding ears, a jutting chin, and short-cropped curly hair. This piece was created by the indigenous huetares (also called guetares or pacacuas) peoples who resided in the center of Costa Rica during the 16th century and were known for stone sculptures, metates, and altars. The Huetar were comprised of several sub-cultures, one of which practiced head-hunting with warriors taking the heads of enemy prisoners as trophies. Size: 4.1" W x 4.125" H (10.4 cm x 10.5 cm)

Provenance: private Raleigh, North Carolina, USA collection; purchased in Costa Rica in the 1950s by Jane H. Larson, art director associated with a science text-book series, the publication of which was associated with the University of Colorado

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#156248

Minor nicks to neckline, face, peripheries, and top, with softening to some facial details, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.