Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. An attractive axe head of sturdy form that is hand-carved from mottled dark green omphacite jade with dark gray, brown, and cream inclusions. The blade head has a slightly bearded profile with its drooping lower point, a neck with a bifurcated vertical spine in low relief, and a stocky tang with a biconically drilled suspension hole. Axe heads like this example were perhaps carved for ritualistic or ceremonial purposes rather than for utilitarian usage and was perhaps intended as a burial offering for a deceased individual. Size: 5.2" L x 2.36" W (13.2 cm x 6 cm)

Provenance: private J. Hart collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970's

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#167494

Small chip to one corner of handle, with minor abrasions and pitting in scattered areas, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness throughout.