| DATE | 500 - 1000 AD |
| AUTHOR | Unknown Pre-Columbian artist - Costa Rica |
| MEDIA | Stone sculpture | SIZE | 38,7 cm (15" 1/4) |
| LOCATION | USA - California - Beverly Hills - Barakat Gallery |
| NOTES | In Pre Colombian Costa Rica existed numerous fertility cults. Though no direct records have been left as to the exact nature of these rituals, we can make assumptions based upon the physical evidence; such as this remarkable stone phallus. Firstly, it was intended to be placed in a standing position. An extension at the bottom is carved with an indentation in the form of a cup, cleverly resembling testes. The head of the phallus is turned at an angle to the cup-base. From the cleft of the head the natural vein turns into a 'channel' running past a deep drill hole. Numerous other shallower holes are placed, back and front, in a seemingly random manner. On the other side is a large oval carved with a thick rim, from which two concentric circles radiate either side at the top. It appears as if a substance, e.g. incense, may have been burned in the cup portion. The interesting aspect is that the hole at the head of the phallus is connected through to the middle hole, suggesting that a substance was passed through to simulate ejaculation. The drilling of this inner channel is most amazing considering the ancient Costa Ricans did not possess metal tools. This phallus was probably viewed as a type of icon, the focal point of fertility rituals, and revered as the propagator of life. |
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