A Costa Rican Jade Axe Pendant, Early Classic Period, ca. 500 - 800 CE Central Australia protector of livestock

protector of livestock

with light cosmetic painting over the break line

A beautiful example

are quite rare

A Costa Rican Jade Axe Pendant, Early Classic Period, ca. 500 - 800 CE Central Australia protector of livestockCosta 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