Mesoamerican
Costa RicaMasked Figure, 700 – 1100 CE
Not on view
Volcanic stone
Dimensions32 3/4 × 15 in. (83.2 × 38.1 cm)
Museum purchase, 2007.145
This minimally clothed, male figure wears a crocodile mask. In Mesoamerican art from Costa Rica, depictions featuring parts of predatory animals, such as this figure, are common, but the meaning of the figures is not known. Perhaps the ability of such creatures to cause harm inspired religious awe and respect.
