Chiriqui or Diquis
Costa Rica
Figure of a man with a rattle, 700–1500
Cast gold
2 3/8 inches
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The Lillian Z. Turnblad Fund, 53.2.8

This figure represents a ritual dancer and musician. He holds a cone-shaped rattle in his right hand and is wearing an elaborate spiral headdress, a belt, and rings around his thighs and ankles. He has a long snake-like rope hanging from his belt, which is unusual. Snake elements are common in depictions of ritual dancers, but typically appear near the mouth, like a flute. He has an athletic, well-modeled body, with strong chest and limbs. The features of his face are strongly marked, with oval eyes and a strong rectangular nose and mouth. Overall, his visage appears calm, almost contemplative.