Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 700 to 900 CE. A compact and beautifully abstracted bird amulet, carved in dense green stone with a quiet, ceremonial presence. The figure is rendered with tucked, striated wings, a subtly modeled body, and neatly delineated toes, giving the small form a surprising sense of weight and stability. Most distinctive is the long, curved beak, opened into an elegant openwork loop, functioning as both a dramatic profile and a practical suspension element. Pierced for wear, this amulet belongs to the long Costa Rican tradition of portable stone ornaments - objects that likely served as protective charms, status markers, or personal talismans, carried close to the body like a private guardian. Size: 1.4" W x 2" H (3.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#199561

  • Condition: Area of chipping to upper left of one side, but, otherwise, intact, wearable, and in very good overall condition with impressive detail.

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April 24, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000