Costa Rican Greenstone Celt Anthropomorphic

**Originally Listed At $500**

Pre-Columbian, Costa Rica, Guanacaste / Nicoya region, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. A hand-carved greenstone anthropomorphic axe celt with a rounded edge for cutting. The figure is delineated with incised lines that indicate clasped hands and a necklace. The abstract face is comprised of a triangular nose and string-cut lines at the top forming a headdress. A perforation through the neck enables this celt to attach to a handle or be suspended as an ornament. Celts were used for clearing brush or chopping, but those made from greenstone were symbolic of agricultural fertility and the carved figures would imbue powers to the owner. Ornate blades like this example likely served a ritualistic rather than utilitarian purpose. A finely carved, large celt that may have been buried to honor and accompany the deceased. Size: 1.875" W x 6.65" H (4.8 cm x 16.9 cm); 6.8" H (17.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex- private Tennessee, USA collection; ex- Irwin Hearsy collection, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157807
Condition Report: Nicks and chips to peripheries as shown. Surface pitting and abrasions. Old inventory labels on verso.