**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste / Nicoya region, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. Hand-carved from jadeite, a celt or axe blade, depicting a bird. A horizontal string-cut line crosses the middle with two v-shaped lines running upward, forming the beak. Several straight and curved lines indicate the eyes. The celt is laterally drilled behind the neck for suspension or attachment. The stone itself shows attractive green hues mottled with tiny cream specks. Birds had symbolic powers and supernatural abilities and some Mesoamerican cultures channeled that strength through carvings such as this beautiful axe blade. Size: 3.75" L x 1.75" W (9.5 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Tennessee, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#157808

Softening of details. Minor surface wear and nicks to edges, commensurate with use. Lovely green stone with beautiful hues.