Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste / Nicoya region, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A hand-carved greenstone anthropomorphic axe celt with a rounded edge for cutting. The figure is delineated with incised lines that indicate clasped hands and a necklace. The abstract face is comprised of a triangular nose and string-cut lines at the top forming a headdress. A perforation through the neck enables this celt to attach to a handle or be suspended as an ornament. Celts were used for clearing brush or chopping, but those made from greenstone were symbolic of agricultural fertility and the carved figures would imbue powers to the owner. Ornate blades like this example likely served a ritualistic rather than utilitarian purpose. A finely carved, large celt that may have been buried to honor and accompany the deceased. Size: 1.875" W x 6.65" H (4.8 cm x 16.9 cm); 6.8" H (17.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex- private Tennessee, USA collection; ex- Irwin Hearsy collection, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s
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#157807
Condition
Nicks and chips to peripheries as shown. Surface pitting and abrasions. Old inventory labels on verso.