Atlantic Watershed Volcanic Stone Shaman Figure

Pre-Columbian Era, Atlantic Watershed Culture, Period VI, c. 1000-1520 AD, Limón Province, Costa Rica

A magnificent and highly significant shaman (Sukia) figure, expertly carved from porous grey volcanic basalt (andesite), embodying the spiritual and ritualistic depth of the Atlantic Watershed culture. This powerful representation of a medicine man is depicted in a classic ritual posture—squatting with upraised knees and spread legs, feet firmly planted, elbows resting upon the knees. His right hand delicately holds his left forearm, while his left hand is raised to his mouth, seemingly interacting with a tubular-shaped implement—potentially a flute, smoking pipe, or ceremonial blowing tube. His hunched back, intricately carved to reveal a skeletal spine, reflects the profound physical and spiritual transformation associated with shamanic rituals.

The exquisite detailing of the figure extends to the boldly carved facial features, including coffee-bean-shaped eyes, a broad nose, cup-shaped ears, and delicate forehead lines, all of which enhance its intense and expressive presence.

Costa Rica’s three major archaeological regions—Guanacaste-Nicoya, Central Highlands-Atlantic Watershed, and Diquis—each produced unique artistic traditions. While the Nicoya Peninsula bore strong Mesoamerican influences, the Atlantic Watershed culture developed an unparalleled mastery in volcanic stone carving, surpassing all other Costa Rican cultures. Their artisans created elaborate metates (stone grinding platforms) adorned with intricate mythical and dignitary imagery, often associated with hallucinogenic rituals, shamanic trances, and ritual sacrifice. These masterfully sculpted figures served as status symbols in elite tombs, representing the power and prestige of the deceased.

This gorgeous volcanic stone shaman figure stands as a testament to the spiritual traditions, artistic excellence, and ceremonial practices of the Atlantic Watershed civilization—a rare and prestigious artifact for collectors of Pre-Columbian art and shamanic iconography.

Excellent condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, with fading to some finer features, and light encrustations within recessed areas. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Size approx. 11,3cm x 8,3cm x 7,3cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

For a similar examples see:

Sukia Figure, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number: 1993.79.2 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/316767)

Figure of a shaman (Sukia), The Baltimore Museum of Art, Accession number: 1960.30.69 (https://collection.artbma.org/objects/23658/figure-of-a-shaman-sukia)

Sukia figure, Princeton University Art Museum, Accession number: 2001-300 (https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/40594)