**Originally Listed At $300**

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. Finely carved and string-cut, an axe-god celt in the form of an abstract bird effigy with avian beak and wings, twin tufts emerging from its head, and concave circular eyes. In addition to its endearing avian form, the stone is inherently beautiful presenting pastel green hues and nice remains or white caliche. Laterally perforated through neck for suspension. Lucite stand in photos is not included. Size: 1.9" W x 3.4" H (4.8 cm x 8.6 cm)

Bird pendants were made for centuries in many styles, materials, and sizes in the area stretching from Costa Rica to north and central Colombia in the south. As sky animals, birds were regarded as messengers between humankind and deities of the celestial realm in the Pre-Columbian world. This example was carved from a lovely stone of light green hues that hasn't been polished and shows marvelous caliche - mineral deposits comprised of calcium carbonate, hence the surface is graced with a frosty white hue.

Provenance: private Colgate, Wisconsin, USA collection acquired 1970s to 1990s; ex John Monton collection, Dekalb Illinois 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#156829

Repaired from approximately four or five large pieces, with dark green in-fill material within some chipped areas along midsection, and nearly invisible resurfacing along break lines on head. Light abrasions and encrustations to body and head. Nice remains of caliche surface throughout.