Basalt Sculpture of a Kneeling Man, 1000 CE - 1550 CE
Basalt
14.5
PF.4180
This fascinating figure first arouses our curiosity with the zoomorphic attribute, the head. Though the body is that of a human male, the head has been created in the shape...
This fascinating figure first arouses our curiosity with the zoomorphic attribute, the head. Though the body is that of a human male, the head has been created in the shape of a crocodile. The nose and square mouth of the animal are distinct. The object on top the head is reminiscent of a crown or other headpiece. The person is kneeling with both hands placed on the thighs in a position of meditation or prayer. The facial features are distinct and carefully carved out of a gray volcanic rock, yet the eyes are not a focal point. Throughout the entire piece, the feeling of reverence is present along with the idea of mythological idealism. With such pieces in art, we are always surprised by the imagination of the ancient world.