Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste/Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A striking stone axe god figure of avian form boasting natural hues of lavender, lilac, aubergine, and violet with almond and vanilla-colored inclusions. Carved, drilled, and string-cut, the figure is shown from the chest up with wing-like arms at his sides and a huge head featuring a pointed beak, a horizontally ribbed head, a tall crest, and a pair of annular earspools. The lower half of the piece displays a long, curved axe blade, hence its name. A biconically drilled suspension hole behind the neck would have allowed the figure to be strung on a necklace and worn as a pendant in ancient Costa Rica. Size: 1.3" L x 1.4" W x 6.7" H (3.3 cm x 3.6 cm x 17 cm)

Provenance: ex-private West Palm Beach, Florida, USA collection

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#186126

  • Condition: Encrustations to interior of suspension hole inhibit from wear as a pendant. The very end of blade has been professionally repaired with some minor areas of infill. Light surface wear with miniscule nick to verso, but otherwise, excellent with nice remaining detail, smooth surfaces, and earthen deposits in recessed areas.

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June 7, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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