Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 250 to 800 CE. An exceptional Costa Rican jade celt carved from a beautiful emerald green jade, depicting an anthropomorphic figure standing atop or perhaps emerging from a crocodile head with expertly string cut intricate details. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) of the Crocodilia order (comprised of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster in the Pre-Columbian world, and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile was also a metaphor for fertility. The duality of this figure suggests that the artist may have been representing a transitioning shaman/crocodile figure or perhaps the fertile crocodile birthing humankind. Size: 3.75" H (9.5 cm)

The detail on this piece is amazing. The male figure presents a serious countenance with partially drilled round eyes, a wide nose, closed full lips, knotched ears with partially drilled perforations representing ear ornaments, hands meeting across the abdomen, fingertip to fingertip, legs, and toes. The crocodile head presents bulging eyes, a pronounced snout with an open mouth revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. All is finely incised via the string-cut technique. There are two sets of perforations - bilaterally through the neck of the male figure and bilaterally just under his feet, through the neck of the crocodile. In addition, there is openwork between the man's legs. Thus, it is possible to wear this pendant in several ways!

Provenance: ex-private southern California, USA collection acquired over 30 years ago

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#132083

  • Condition: A superb example in choice condition!

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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