Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask Item Number: 34.5084 from the Brooklyn Museum
Description
Massive, carved sculpture of a standing male warrior figure with a crocodilian head, probably a mask. The figure carries a severed human trophy head cupped in his left hand and pressed against his body. The figure has pronounced breasts and male organs. 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. The eyes are oval in shape and the snout is decorated with incised scrollwork. The figure wears ear spools, a hat, and bandolier decorated with incised geometrical designs. Condition: right arm and part of the hat are broken and missing.
Credit Line
Alfred W. Jenkins Fund
Item History
- Made between 700 and 1000
What
- Name
- Human Figure Wearing Crocodile Mask
- Identification Number
- 34.5084
- Type of Item
- human figure and mask
- Material
- vesicular andesite
- Measurements
- “61 x 24 1/2 x 20 in., 631 lb. (154.9 x 62.2 x 50.8 cm, 286.22kg)” ?
Who
- Culture
- Central Caribbean
Where
- Holding Institution
- Brooklyn Museum
When
- Creation Date
- between 700 and 1000
Other
- Location
- Arts of the Americas Galleries, 5th Floor
- Classification
- Sculpture