Lot 133
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A beautiful mace head of expert construction depicting a stylized anthropomorphic visage in front of a circular hafting shaft. The mace head is hand-carved from blue-green omphacite jade exhibiting captivating verdant coloration and exhibits a modern polishing that brings out all of the fine inclusions. The face peers forward with wide, owl-like eyes above a petite nose and parted lips while the remainder of the countenance exhibits a bifurcated chin, raised markings near the mouth and cheeks that are perhaps cicatrices, and a tiered brow. This mace head is in such fine condition as it was likely used as a votive or ritual offering rather than a battle-ready weapon. Size: 3.6" L x 2.2" W x 2.8" H (9.1 cm x 5.6 cm x 7.1 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.
The value of jade for people in ancient Central America lay in its symbolic power: its color seems to have been associated with water and vegetation and jade items were often given to the dead; north of Costa Rica, the Maya would place jade beads in the mouths of the dead. Many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the creation of long distance trading networks and to the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica. Jade would have come to Costa Rica in the form of axe-blades (celts) that would then be worked by local artisans into pendants like this one. The exoticism of stone that had traveled so far probably contributed to the value of these objects in ancient Costa Rica.
Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired in 2002; ex-George Quiros collection, California, USA
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#179733
- Condition: Very light abrasions in scattered areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderfully polished surfaces and great luster throughout.
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