When Costa Rica wad discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, he found a "high land, with many rivers and full of tall trees." The Spanish admired the natives, their intriguing customs and splendid works of art, including their extraordinary stonework. A prime example of that stone artistry can be seen in this rendering of a female figure, sculpted form a single piece of volcanic stone. Standing erect with arms held slightly bent at her sides, she stares at us through sensitive almond-shaped eyes, her lovely heart-shaped face giving her an unearthly and ethereal quality. At the same time, her small shapely breasts focus our attention on her female attributes, the characteristics that symbolize fertility and sexuality. Perhaps this female figure represented to the Ancient Costa Ricans the eternal mother Goddess, source of life and perpetual renewal. Whatever her previous function, the spirited presence of this powerful figure continues to captivate us, her eternal powers forever satisfying and rewarding.