A Jade Axe-God Celt Pendant...

Description

A Jade Axe-God Celt Pendant
Costa Rica, c. 200-700 AD

Carved from dense speckled dark green jade, this pendant retains the blade shape of the original celt. The axe-god face is sharply defined, with large brows above eyes carved out for inlay, a long oval mouth with parted lips showing teeth, and a long flat tongue descending between the fangs. A headband with wave-and-dot patterning encircles the brow, and two small addorsed bird heads rise at the crown. Pierced laterally through the neck for suspension, the piece combines the formal clarity of a blade with the force of a supernatural image. On the reverse, a rough unpolished ridge marks the line where the original celt was split in half. A strong and finely worked example of the axe-god tradition. In excellent condition.

Provenance:
The Vilcek Foundation

Height: 5 ½ inches

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000.

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