This powerful male figure cradles a trophy head in his left hand, while holding an upraised axe in his right. The pose of such figures is fairly standardized and probably represents the ideal warrior rather than a specific individual. A wide textured belt around his waist is most likely a replica of real ones of bark or cloth. His exposed genitals attest to this warrior's fearlessness, and also to the fact only the elite warrior/chief class was permitted to appear naked. Since human sacrifice was deemed essential to the continuation of the life cycle, the acquiring of human heads was necessary for the continued well-being of a community and to the personal prestige of individuals. Wars were waged simply for this purpose, and the brave deeds commemorated in stone; carved by a master sculptor into a work of great power and authority.