A Costa Rican Profile Monkey-Head Figure Pendant, Early Classic Period, ca. 100 - 600 CE

Carved from deep green jadeite, this pendant depicts the head of a monkey in profile, facing left, with an open mouth and a serrated crest representing tufts of fur. A band of incised lines separates the head from the elongated, smoothly polished blade below. Two perforations at the shoulders allow for suspension.

The pendant belongs to a distinctive tradition of Costa Rican jade carving commonly known as axe-gods, in which human, animal, or composite figures are carved above an elongated blade resembling a polished stone axe or celt. Although modeled on functional tools, these ornaments were designed to be worn as pendants rather than used as implements. They are generally associated with status, authority, and social identity, while their distinctive form reflects the importance of stone axes in the agricultural and woodworking traditions of ancient Costa Rica. 

Medium: Jadeite

Dimensions: Height: 6 inches (15.1 cm)

Condition: Repaired from two pieces, with some surface losses; otherwise intact. Presented on a museum quality custom mount.

Provenance: Mirtha Virginia de Perea (1929–2019) private collection of Costa Rican art. Mrs. de Perea spent her 48-year career with the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, ultimately achieving the rank of Cultural Minister-Counselor and Consul. She was a dedicated patron of the arts, promoting local artists and sponsoring cultural events throughout her career. She also assembled a significant collection of Latin American art. After retiring in 1999, she became a US citizen and continued her support of the arts through membership in the Women’s Committee of the Washington National Opera and other local organizations.

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