Jaguar Man Head, 100 CE - 500 CE
Basalt
17.5
PF.3091
This large, monumental stone head of a jaguar man is both graceful and intense. Although the head is depicted with simple incision lines, one cannot escape its powerful sense of...
This large, monumental stone head of a jaguar man is both graceful and intense. Although the head is depicted with simple incision lines, one cannot escape its powerful sense of presence. Separated from the body, the face of a man/jaguar seems almost intimidating with its large facial features and wide open mouth revealing sharp fangs. In Costa Rica, the jaguar was considered one of most powerful gods. Thus, this fierce display is not an image of harm but a representation of the jaguar-god's power and strength. Carved skillfully on a hard stone, the head of the jaguar seems to possess the god's spirit, which is still strong today.
Literature
V20