**Originally Listed At $3000**

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Atlantic Watershed Period V ca. 800 to 1000 CE. A sizeable trophy head, hand-carved from volcanic stone of creamy beige hues. The head is supported by its slender neck and presents a solemn countenance with coffee bean shaped eyes, a broad nose, closed lips, naturalistic ears, a strong jawline, and protruding chin. A wonderful beanie-like hat with painstakingly incised textile-inspired stylized geometric motifs and a roundel at the apex crowns the head. Size: 8.25" L x 7.375" W x 9.375" H (21 cm x 18.7 cm x 23.8 cm)

Artists in ancient Costa Rica and nearby Panama sculpted and painted disembodied human trophy heads. Ethnographic accounts from the region describe a practice of taking trophy heads during warfare. Although the ancients' use of war as a tool for acquiring resources and consolidating control under specific leaders is similar to ours today, pre-Columbian warfare also had a supernatural element to it. The taking of the head was related to shamanism, and the purpose was to protect the community from any evil, including disease and sorcery. If a shaman's head was taken, then due to the shaman's supernatural skills, his head was still believed to possess power, even when separated from the rest of the body.

Provenance: ex-William and Carol Thibadeau Sr. collection, acquired 1970s to 1980s; ex-Tom Francis Collection, Gainesville, Georgia, USA, by descent to family, collection # AA115

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 & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#159302

Minor nicks to face, neckline, ears, and hat, with light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great remains of facial details and light earthen deposits throughout.