Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, ca. 400 to 100 BCE. A wonderfully carved ceremonial hand axe, in a blue-green stone. The level of detail is incredible: a skull-like face wearing a round crown or headdress tops the handle, with its body formed of incised lines below, giving it hands held close to the body and large feet. The blade has been carved through down its center in a twin snake design and its point terminates in two snake heads. These figures were string cut and polished with sandstone. Comes with custom stand. Size: 0.9" W x 5.25" H (2.3 cm x 13.3 cm)

The ancient Costa Ricans were influenced by the Olmec to their north, and may have even repurposed Mesoamerican blue-green jade hand axes for their own purposes. This was likely a funerary offering.

Provenance: Ex-Private Kentucky Collection

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#119385

  • Condition: Excellent

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000