Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

Art of Costa Rica

  • All
  • Masterpieces of Pre-Columbian Art
  • Aztec Art
  • Art of Costa Rica
  • Art of Ecuador
  • Mayan Art
  • Mayan Ceramics
  • Mezcala Art
  • Olmec Art
  • Olmec Masks
  • Art of Panama
  • Taino Art
  • Teotihuacan Art
  • Toltec Art
  • Veracruz Art
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Basalt Statue of a Warrior, 500 CE - 1000 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Basalt Statue of a Warrior, 500 CE - 1000 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Basalt Statue of a Warrior, 500 CE - 1000 CE
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Basalt Statue of a Warrior, 500 CE - 1000 CE

Basalt Statue of a Warrior, 500 CE - 1000 CE

Basalt
height 50.2 cm
height 19 3/4 in
PF.4597
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EBasalt%20Statue%20of%20a%20Warrior%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E500%20CE%20%20-%20%201000%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EBasalt%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3Eheight%2050.2%20cm%3Cbr/%3E%0Aheight%2019%203/4%20in%3C/div%3E

Further images

  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 1 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 2 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 3 ) Thumbnail of additional image
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 4 ) Thumbnail of additional image
The extraordinary stone statues of Costa Rica are some of the most powerful and unique works of art in the world. Apart from being fine sculptures they are complex symbols...
Read more
The extraordinary stone statues of Costa Rica are some of the most powerful and unique works of art in the world. Apart from being fine sculptures they are complex symbols with many layers of meaning, pertinent to the society in which they were created and exciting to us as modern viewers. They represent a cycle of life, combining warfare, fertility and overt sexuality in one monumental form. As dramatic proof of his warrior prowess he holds two shrunken trophy heads taken from sacrificial victims. His noble status in society is shown by the beautiful scarification on his arms, legs and stomach, fashioned into intricate patterns. His heavy and detailed waistband serves to highlight his exposed genitals. He is nearly naked in order to show off his manliness and invulnerability in the face of danger. As a "sex symbol" he is the archetype male who protects both the women and the land, making each fertile through insemination and ritual. With simple tools and a simple concept the sculptor has created a figure rich in mores and traditions, in a style that is immediate and immensely attractive. With his flowing hair and undaunted stance he is like a Samson figure, standing boldly against all threats, forever stalwart and brave, a champion against whom neither mortal enemy nor the ravages of time can conquer.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
25 
of  117

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields