1st-5th century AD. A polished greenstone pendant figurine with pierced work to the arms and legs, incised facial detailing and guilloche to the chest; old collector's accession number '45' to the reverse. For a similar example also in pea green see Sothebys Pre-Columbian Art, May 1992, Lot 263. This finely carved figural pendant hails from Pre Columbian Costa Rica during the early to mid artistic development phase. These pendants are often referred to as depictions of the ‘axe god’ yet may represent a dignitary. Many examples exhibit a pair of feline or crocodile heads as a crown or headdress however the present piece depicts these at the base with fine scroll like detail across the head and torso. It has been speculated that scroll detailing could represent a form of writing. From the collection of Enest Ohly of Berkeley Galleries, London, UK. 73 grams, 10.5cm (4").

Very fine condition.