Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

The Barakat Collection

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Basalt Sculpture Of A Standing Masked Figure, 1000 CE - 1500 CE

Basalt Sculpture Of A Standing Masked Figure, 1000 CE - 1500 CE

Basalt
26.75
PF.2663
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EBasalt%20Sculpture%20Of%20A%20Standing%20%20Masked%20Figure%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E1000%20CE%20%20-%20%201500%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EBasalt%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E26.75%3C/div%3E
Between the continents and between the seas lies the country of Costa Rica, so named for the richness and abundance of its resources. One of these resources in particular the...
Read more
Between the continents and between the seas lies the country of Costa Rica, so named for the richness and abundance of its resources. One of these resources in particular the ancient natives made abundant and masterful use of, and that was volcanic rock, which they quarried and carved into exquisite works or art. Here we experience a standing male figure, adorned with a fearsome alligator mask, complete with snarling teeth. Atop his head rests a two-tiered headdress, the shape of which recalls Costa Rican ceremonial stools from the same period. Standing in an erect pose with cylindrical legs firmly in place, the figure holds his left hand to his midriff, while his right hand rests on his hip. While observing his hands, our eyes are drawn to the necklace that adorns the figure's chest, its bar-and-tube shape perhaps representing the jade tube necklace worn by the Costa Rican Indians. With his ferocious mask and dramatic pose, we wonder if this compelling male is the representation on a chief or a shaman, or perhaps a warrior. Clearly, he suggests a person of spiritual rank and power. Whatever his role in Ancient Costa Rican culture, he captures our imagination today, forcing us to feel the power that comes from within him, as his reptilian eyes stare deep into our soul.
Close full details

Literature

V14

Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
22142 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields