A Large Diquis Gold Figure...

Description

A Large Diquis Gold Figure
Costa Rica, c. 700 - 1400 AD

Finely detailed hollow cast tumbaga, depicting a standing male holding a clapper or rattle in each hand. He is naked aside from a beaded necklace, coiled tubular earrings, bands at knees and ankles. The face set in a serene trance-like expression with closed eyes and mouth. A raised hole at crown of head and a hole at the belly button. Openwork spirals on back of head, back, and legs, and a raised loop for suspension. In excellent condition.

Provenance:
Private collection, Atlanta, GA
Enrique Vargas Alfaro, 1960s. Mr. Alfaro was the source of highest quality Pre-Columbian art sold to prestigious collections such as Andre Emmerich, Morton D. May, Frederick and Jan Mayer, and William C. and Carol W. Thibodeaux. Artworks listing him as provenance appear in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, The Denver Art Museum, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Enrique was the grandson of Anastasio Alfaro (1865-1951), archaeologist, geologist, ethnographer, explorer and writer -- an important personality in the cultural development of Costa Rica. He was a member of the board at the National Museum of Costa Rica and author of Antigüedades en Costa Rica (1892).

Height: 3 ¾ inches
Weight: 128 grams
Tests for 14kt gold

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