Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask

700-1000

This warrior figure is wearing a fearsome crocodile mask, as an actual warrior would have done in the hope of accruing that creature’s power to himself. The figure carries a severed human head, representing a decapitated enemy. (The taking and displaying of trophy heads were common practices in ancient Costa Rica. ) Represented as androgynous, the figure has pronounced breasts, a penis, and testicles. The right arm is missing but appears to have been flexed upward, probably to hold an ax. The hat, mask, ear spools, and shoulder band are covered with incised geometric designs.