Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste/Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. An axe god pendant finely carved from a mottled greenstone that is near translucent and presents a uniform, sage green hue. The ancient artisan carved it into a shaman-like form with an anthropomorphic body, including hands clasped over the lower stomach, and a jaguar-shaped head complete with a short snout and a short, spiky outline around the head - perhaps created to represent a headdress or fancy coiffure - as well as a pair of biconically drilled perforations forming the eyes. Size: 1.25" W x 3.9" H (3.2 cm x 9.9 cm)
The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. As a nocturnal animal that sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, the jaguar also evoked great mystery. No wonder this wild feline captured the ancients' imaginations.
Provenance: ex-Craig Hendrix collection, South Carolina, USA; ex-Charles Craig Jr. collection, Costa Rica, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#154103
Condition
A few small scratches on surface commensurate with age but overall in great condition with very clear form and details.