Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Nicoya or Atlantic Watershed, ca. 100 to 500 CE. An incredible stone mace, pecked and polished into a crocodilian or reptilian head, the surface grooved and drilled with eyes and textured skin. The rounded snout has a pair of flared nostrils and bared teeth. Through the center is a hafting hole that was drilled through from both sides, meeting in the center of the stone. A long wooden pole would have been inserted into the bottom of the mace head for use as a battle-ready weapon, however the intricacy of this example indicates it was perhaps carved as a ritual item or funerary offering. In Costa Rica, there are numerous snake species and other saurian animals that were revered for their power and other attributes such as fierce teeth, stealth, and venom. Size: 4.2" L x 2.25" W x 1.75" H (10.7 cm x 5.7 cm x 4.4 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, private Atlanta, Georgia collection acquired over 15 years ago.

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#177803

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored. Infill with new material along break lines and light mineral deposits.

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March 9, 2023 8:00 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
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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