Diquís Stone Figure

Paul A. Clifford

California Private Collection, Los Angeles

Sotheby's, New York, Pre-Columbian Art, May 14, 1991, lot 71, consigned by the above

Lin and Emile Deletaille, Brussels, acquired at the above auction

Thence by descent

The High Museum of Art, Pre-Columbian Art from the Collection of Paul A. Clifford and William C. Thibadeau, Atlanta, 1971, p. 14, fig. 12

Atlanta, The High Museum of Art, Pre-Columbian Art from the Collection of Paul A. Clifford and William C. Thibadeau, February 13 - April 4, 1971

Los Angeles, The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, 1972 - 1989

This peg-based figure contrasts the restraint of the rigid geometry of the body with the ferocity of the rounded head uplifted in a howling growl, showing the broad open jaw and teeth. The strong arms are folded on the chest in a protective gesture. The figure may represent a warrior with feline attributes.

Peg-base sculptures were influenced by stonework from the Colombian tradition of San Agustin. In the Diquís region, such anthropomorphic figures were perhaps placed in association with the perfectly formed stone spheres of ceremonial areas.

For discussion, see Michael J. Snarskis, Julie Jones and Michael Kan, eds., Between Continents / Between Seas: Pre-Columbian Art of Costa Rica, New York, 1981, pp. 220 - 221.