Lot 84A
Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste/Nicoya region, ca. 300 BCE to 500 CE. Offered here is a rare and unusual set of three stone effigy war axe or mace heads from ancient Central America, likely carried as prestige weapons by warriors of noble class or high rank. Each head is designed for rapid striking attacks, and together they form a museum-class collection of ancient weapons. The craftsmanship is superb, featuring intricate renderings of three distinct animals - an ungulate or rodent, a crested bird, and a frog or lizard. Acquired from a collection dating back to the 1950s, these are believed to have been originally found together, possibly in a single cache. Crafted from unique hardstones, each exemplifies individual character and is presented in its finest, original condition. Their authenticity is underscored by deeply impacted sediment and mineral patina visible under microscopic examination, reflecting the skill of master stone carvers who created these remarkable pieces. Size of largest: 3.2" L (8.1 cm)
Based on various pottery sculptures from throughout the Pre-Columbian world, figural maces like these were often highly symbolic objects carried by rules and gods alike as visible signs of their power and authority. The heightened level of craftsmanship of this mace head indicates that countless hours went into carving, shaping, and smoothing its surfaces and that a highly-skilled artisan - perhaps one who specialized in intricate lapidary creations - was commissioned to carve it for an individual of great wealth and importance. Tribes in this region practiced head-hunting and victim sacrifice in their warfare. The Greater Nicoya Pre-Columbian Culture is an archaeological culture that prevailed in the area of Latin America comprising the far southwestern coastal region of Honduras, the far northwestern Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica and the Pacific side of coastal Nicaragua. This indigenous culture thrived for many centuries before the first Spanish explorers made contact around 1500 CE.
Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.
Provenance: private California, USA collection; ex-Howard Rose collection, New York, USA, from the 1980s
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#187935
- Condition: Intact with no repairs or restoration. Sediment and mineral deposits in recessed areas. Choice! Displayed in Riker case.
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |