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Celt-Shaped Pendant
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Costa Rican jade pendants may imitate the shape of axe blades (celts) used for agriculture. The pendants often take the form of "axe gods," creatures with human, bird, or animal traits. Jade carving was common in Costa Rica before ad 500, but then declined in importance. Gold eventually replaced jade as the region’s preferred luxury material.
| Artist / Maker | Costa Rica, Southern Nicoya region |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 300 BCE–600 CE |
| Culture / Origin | Costa Rica, Southern Nicoya region |
| Medium | jadeite |
| Dimensions | Overall: 15.2 x 5.4 cm (6 x 2 1/8 in.) |
| Department | Art of the Americas |
| Type | Jewelry |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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