Artifacts - Mexico and Central America

 Pre-Columbian 

Pale Green Jadeite

Costa Rican

Axe God Pendant

Guanacaste - Nicoya

circa 100 - 800 AD

collected circa 1970

From a California private collection

SOLD 

Very nice example of a Mayan jadeite ( axe god ) effigy pendant, influenced by the shape of a stone axe or celt.  Soft green stone with fine matrix.  Highly  stylized human effigy form. Drilled at neck for stringing.  Roughly carved ridgeline down center of back, assumedly an artifact of of the carving process.

Jadeite was the most precious of all materials in the eyes of the pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica.  Jadeite and greenstone were worked into a wide variety of items from tools and utensils to items worn as emblems of social and political power. Jade objects were a sign of wealth and prestige.

 A common form was the axe god pendant, which was suspended from a cord around the neck. The name "axe god" comes from the form of the pendant, which replicates the shape of the traditional stone chopping tool (or axe). While most are anthropomorphic, some represent animals or supernatural beings. 

Very Good condition.  No chips or cracks.  Please note; darker green line near base is a natural inclusion of darker material, not a crack.

dimensions: approx 3/4" wide x 4" long x 1/4" thick

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