A Nicoya Figure with Bowl on Back
c. 600 - 1000 AD


This unusual figure depicts a woman with jaguar traits carrying a large jar upon her back. She stands with thick hollow thighs, more feline-like than human, and with a pointed tail making the tripod support the body. The arms are broadly modeled tapering to hands that rest on the knees; the hands and feet are more paw-like than human. The effigy is painted overall in a white base while the surface is elaborated in orange and black, having intertwined serpents on the jar, her face boldly accentuated with a paneled headdress and earspools, floral embellishments on the shoulders and breasts. Many images of feline heads decorate the arms and legs.

Height: 7 ½ inches