Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Guanacaste/Nicoya region, ca. 1st to 5th century CE. A gorgeous mace head of a hefty form that is hand-carved from mottled silvery-gray stone with tan, dark gray, and citrine inclusions. The circular body of the weapon features a cylindrical hafting shaft with incised grooves surrounding the top and bottom openings as well as an intriguing feline head of an abstract form on the obverse. The feline head - perhaps that of a jaguar - bears recessed drilled eyes and cheeks, a hemispherical nose, a pair of tab-shaped ears, and a gaping jaw with incised teeth. Mounted on a wooden pole, this armament would be a formidable sight on the field of battle! Size: 3.4" L x 2.7" W x 2.7" H (8.6 cm x 6.9 cm x 6.9 cm)
Provenance: ex-Leonard Auctions, Chicago, Illinois, USA; ex-private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection
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#167525
Condition
Minor nicks and abrasions commensurate with age, with light softening to some facial details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to feline face and wonderful surface smoothness throughout.