A Costa Rican Jade Axe Pendant, Early Classic Period, ca. 500 - 800 CE

Costa Rican jade pendants are often in the form of "axe-gods," in which an effigy carving of an animal, person, or a combination thereof surmounts a smooth blade in the form of a polished axe or celt and is drilled transversely for suspension. These celts were not functional weapons but rather badges of office, status, or clan-type affiliation and were worn on the person as pendants. Purposefully shaped like functional axes or celts, these highly prized pendants gave recognition to the importance of the working tools used in agriculture and forestry.

This elongated example depicts an avian-headed axe god with two drilled holes for eyes, a triangular beak, and the lower half tapering into a rounded blade. The pendant has been drilled horizontally for suspension. Thinking of wearing this piece? Ask us about options.

Medium: Jade

Dimensions: Length: 3 1/8 inches (7.93 cm)

Condition:  Intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance:  Mirtha Virginia de Perea (1929 - 2019) private collection of Costa Rican art. Mrs. de Perea spent her entire 48-year career with the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC, achieving the rank of Cultural Minister-Counselor and Consul after having started as a secretary. She was a devoted patron of the arts, promoting numerous local artists and sponsoring many cultural events throughout her career. She also amassed an impressive collection of Latin American art. After retiring in 1999, she became a US citizen and continued her support of the arts through her membership in the Women’s Committee of the Washington National Opera and other local groups.