Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. Finely carved and string-cut, this axe-god celt is in the form of an abstract bird effigy with avian beak and wings, the flared blade forming a tail / body. This tool has a sacred significance in Pre-Columbian art, and this celt was perhaps worn as a pendant or pectoral via a biconically drilled suspension hole bored through the neck and has a flattened polished verso that would have rested comfortably against skin. The blade tip is thick and unsharpened suggesting this was never intended as a utilitarian tool. Size: 5" L x 2.3" W (12.7 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010; ex- Dr. Douglas M. Sirkin, Williamsville, New York, USA

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#173403

  • Condition: Naural striations throughout and dendritic inclusions on suface along striations. A few minor surface nick and chips, otherwise intact and very good.

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October 27, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000