Guanacaste-Nicoya Terracotta Sculpture of a Seated Woman, 500 CE - 800 CE
Terracotta
13.5
PF.3864
Further images
With tremendous character and dignity, this ancient figure stares into our present moment. There is something very eternal in her beauty and grace. She is a masterpiece of balance. Balance...
With tremendous character and dignity, this ancient figure stares into our present moment. There is something very eternal in her beauty and grace. She is a masterpiece of balance. Balance is represented by her steady, robust upright posture with symmetrically sculpted arms and legs. Her hands are arched at her sides emphasizing her pregnant tummy. There are interesting geometric designs on her tummy. These black and dark orange designs could be tattoos, body paint or clothes. They appear all over her body and face. It is miraculous how the ancient artist has depicted these designs. The creativity and ingenuity displayed here could only come from an ancient artist's mind. Her head is a beautiful egg shape with a very high and wide forehead. A magnificent crown gently follows the curves of her head. She certainly is a woman of great importance. This figure most probably played an important function during fertility rituals. There is a special energy of dignity and respect, which mystifies us and brings us to greater appreciation for the ladies who once lived in this ancient sophisticated culture.
Literature
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