Massive Costa Rica Nicoya Stone Mace Head - Frog Form
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Cerro Gordo, Diquis, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A massive and rare stone mace head carved in the form of a frog or toad from a piece of volcanic stone. The delightful amphibian is crouching with his head raised slightly with bulging eyes and the legs bent to his sides. A large shaft hole is drilled vertically through the back. This is a very heavy piece, and would take great strength to wield as a mace or club. This frog is a charming creature, but also quite a deadly weapon! Size: 7.5" L x 5" W x 4.375" H (19 cm x 12.7 cm x 11.1 cm)
In the Pre-Columbian world, the frog was associated with rain, the sustenance that it brings, and fertility. Frogs were popular offerings to the god of rain, Tlaloc, and many amphibian shaped carvings have been found at his temple and shrines. Certain species of toads and frogs could secrete poisons from their skin, which could be used as a drug for hallucinogenic states. The non-poisonous species could be eaten as a easy source of protein.
Provenance: private Cincinnati, Ohio, USA collection acquired in the 1980s; ex-Artemis Gallery
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.
#162390
Condition Report: Some softening of details. Surface abrasions. Natural stone pitting. Light mineral deposits.
View it on
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Cerro Gordo, Diquis, ca. 700 to 1000 CE. A massive and rare stone mace head carved in the form of a frog or toad from a piece of volcanic stone. The delightful amphibian is crouching with his head raised slightly with bulging eyes and the legs bent to his sides. A large shaft hole is drilled vertically through the back. This is a very heavy piece, and would take great strength to wield as a mace or club. This frog is a charming creature, but also quite a deadly weapon! Size: 7.5" L x 5" W x 4.375" H (19 cm x 12.7 cm x 11.1 cm)
In the Pre-Columbian world, the frog was associated with rain, the sustenance that it brings, and fertility. Frogs were popular offerings to the god of rain, Tlaloc, and many amphibian shaped carvings have been found at his temple and shrines. Certain species of toads and frogs could secrete poisons from their skin, which could be used as a drug for hallucinogenic states. The non-poisonous species could be eaten as a easy source of protein.
Provenance: private Cincinnati, Ohio, USA collection acquired in the 1980s; ex-Artemis Gallery
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.
#162390
Condition Report: Some softening of details. Surface abrasions. Natural stone pitting. Light mineral deposits.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
