Collection
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Arts of the Americas

Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask

Central Caribbean

1 of 7

Object Label

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.

Caption

Central Caribbean. Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask, 700–1000. Vesicular (porous) andesite, 61 x 24 1/2 x 20 in., 631 lb. (154.9 x 62.2 x 50.8 cm, 286.22kg). Brooklyn Museum, Alfred W. Jenkins Fund, 34.5084. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask

Date

700–1000

Period

Late Period V to early Period VI

Geography

Place found: Costa Rica

Medium

Vesicular (porous) andesite

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

61 x 24 1/2 x 20 in., 631 lb. (154.9 x 62.2 x 50.8 cm, 286.22kg)

Credit Line

Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

Accession Number

34.5084

Frequent Art Questions

  • What is this?

    This statue was made between the 8th to the 11th century by the indigenous people in the Central Caribbean in the region of Costa Rica. It represents a male warrior wearing a crocodile mask. The figure has pronounced breasts and male genitalia. His right arm is broken and missing but appears to have been flexed upward, probably holding an axe similar to other sculptures of this genre. The carved and incised crocodilian head has a broad, flat snout with visible fangs and teeth. Scholars suggest that the statue could have been used as a kind of mask during ritual.

  • Stone?

    Yes, stone! More specifically it is made of Vesicular andesite. It was made between the 8th and 11th century by the indigenous people of the Central Caribbean. It represents a male warrior wearing a crocodile mask.

  • Why is he holding a human head in his hand?

    The head in his hand is identified as a "severed human trophy head." The taking of trophy heads was a common practice in several Caribbean and South American cultures and was often linked with warfare and religious ritual

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Artists and makers

Central Caribbean

6 works in the collection