Atlantic Watershed Basalt Trophy Head, 100 CE - 1000 CE
Basalt
6.5 x 10.5 x 8.5
PF.2793
Further images
In Ancient Costa Rica, the sacrificing of captured enemies was an important ritual act. This trophy head arrayed in a fearsome alligator mask is highly unusual in nature, since most...
In Ancient Costa Rica, the sacrificing of captured enemies was an important ritual act. This trophy head arrayed in a fearsome alligator mask is highly unusual in nature, since most were of enemy warriors captured or slaughtered in battle. Only the most high-ranking people wore alligator masks. One wonders if this was a chieftain captured and sacrificed by enemies or simply a commemorative portraiture of a honored leader. Regardless of its past significance, the fierce and massive presence of this powerful personage is fascinating to the beholder.