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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Trophy Head
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Trophy Head

Artist/Maker (Costa Rica)
Dateca. 1000-1550
Mediumbasalt
DimensionsOverall: 6 3/4 x 5 x 6 in. (17.1 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Fitzmorris
Terms
    Object number2004.53.8
    DescriptionThe Atlantic Watershed area is known for stunning stonework and this carved head is a stone representation of a ritual practice known as the “cult of the trophy head.” This was a custom in which prisoners were sacrificially decapitated in rituals to ensure the fertility of the ruling group’s lands. Carved as a head and neck only, this free-standing object was meant to be displayed in the burial goods of a powerful chief. Unique hair styles distinguish each trophy head rather than facial features, which are muted to signify the powerlessness of the dead.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure with Trophy Head
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Tripod Jar
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    ca. 800-300 BCE
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    Chicomecoatl, The Maize Goddess
    Aztec
    ca. 1350-1521
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    Diquis
    ca. 800-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Shaman Figure
    Colima
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Grinding Stone
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Hacha
    Classic Veracruz
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dragon
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Throne
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bowl
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
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