Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Central Highlands, Atlantic Watershed, ca. 1000 to 1400 CE. Carved from a porous gray volcanic stone, a mesmerizing figure of a zoomorph crouching in a seated position. The ancient figure turns to his right displaying a stylized visage of triangular form with coffee bean-shaped eyes beneath a straight brow, a prominent nose with broad nostrils, incised cheeks, and an open mouth. A petite pair of cupped ears sit high atop the head, just above the eyes, which - combined with his sinuous tail that rises up his back - grants the figure a simian appearance. His legs bend before him - the right propped up to rest both arms atop the knee and the left folded beneath him - both flanking a projecting phallus. Size: 6.1" W x 9.3" H (15.5 cm x 23.6 cm)

This figure probably depicts a shaman channeling a monkey medium or in the act of transforming into a monkey. Pre-Columbian Costa Ricans carved volcanic stone sculptures whose subjects are often animals, usually those who have symbolic meaning like crocodiles, snakes, jaguars, or, like this fellow, monkeys. Humans are depicted wearing items that may signify rank or show a social affiliation - presumably this figure's hat would have been instantly recognizable to people at that time. This figure's zoomorphic head indicates that he is a shaman, someone who could transform himself to visit the spirit world, often associated in ancient Central America with close proximity to the animal world.

Monkeys in ancient Costa Rican art were probably modeled on the native spider monkey, known for being inquisitive and chattering. They were figures of fun, but also are often associated with creation myths both in Central America and in the Mayan world, suggesting an almost evolutionary understanding of the monkey/human relationship. Various myths recount earlier worlds inhabited by monkeys rather than humans that were destroyed by cataclysms, making monkeys like proto-humans. Monkeys were often associated with writing and art, perhaps because of their observed intelligence.

Provenance: private South Carolina, USA collection

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.

#171177

Losses to top of tail, proper right forearm, right hand, top of right knee, left elbow, and left ear. Surface wear as shown with expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with great remaining facial detail and light earthen deposits throughout.