Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste/Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 800 CE. A fine gathering of 5 hand-carved stone celt pendants in characteristically abstract avian forms, each with biconically drilled suspension holes through their necks. Each pendant bears an acutely angled body reminiscent of an axe blade, and the top halves each depict highly stylized bird-like characters. The abstract nature of these avian pendants is perhaps suggestive that these birds were at one time shamans having achieved a relatively advanced stage of transformation. The avian symbolism is particularly potent here as ancient Mesoamericans believed that birds were able to traverse between the physical realm and spiritual realm as messengers for the gods. Size of largest (white stone caliche surface): 1.3" W x 2.7" H (3.3 cm x 6.9 cm)
Provenance: ex-private Drimmer collection, Florida, USA, before 1965
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#165210
Condition
Dark gray pendant repaired along base of blade, and gray-and-white pendant repaired from four pieces, both with light resurfacing and adhesive residue along break lines; remaining 3 pendants are intact and very good. All pieces have coarse encrustations, light abrasions, and softening to some finer details, particularly on faces. Nice earthen deposits throughout.