Description:

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste Nicoya Region, ca. 1 to 500 CE. A wonderful example of a greenstone mace head with its original archaeological surface, carved in the form of an owl's head. A cylindrical socket is drilled through the center. The owl's face takes up one side, carved with huge, round eyes and a long, curved beak. The stone is a hard, marbled blue green. Based on many pottery figures from throughout the pre-Columbian world, figural maces were often symbolic objects, carried by rulers and gods as visible signs of their power. The level of craftsmanship on this beautiful piece indicates that it was worth the time put in to create it, and that a highly skilled artisan - possibly someone who specialized in making such objects - created it for someone wealthy. Perhaps this example was created for someone whose family was identified with owl symbols or who had a special affinity for the animals. Size: 2.95" W x 2.2" H (7.5 cm x 5.6 cm)

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

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#146063

  • Condition: Some weathering/pitting to stone surface, especially above one eye. Overall in beautiful condition with light deposits on surface.

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May 23, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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