Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, Nicoya region, ca. 200 to 600 CE. A nicely preserved celt pendant of a sizable form that is carved from mottled sage green stone with beige and dark gray inclusions. The tapered upper body features characteristically abstract avian features such as a tapered triangular beak, a pair of bow-drilled eyes within puffy sockets, and a narrow head topped with a pair of protruding points above a grooved brow. The bottom of the celt bears a broad, semicircular blade with a smooth front face and a sharpened edge. A pair of biconically drilled suspension holes through either side of the neck provide a means of stringing to make this lovely piece perfectly wearable. Size: 3" W x 7.75" H (7.6 cm x 19.7 cm); 8.6" H (21.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Bird pendants were made for centuries in many styles, materials, and sizes in the area stretching from Costa Rica to north and central Colombia in the south. As sky animals, birds were regarded as messengers between humankind and deities of the celestial realm in the Pre-Columbian world.

PROVENANCE: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, acquired between 2020-2024; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection, ex-private J. Leff collection, German Town, Pennsylvania, USA, formed between 1950 and 2000

We coordinate worldwide shipping to most destinations, overseeing every detail in-house to guarantee a smooth and exceptional delivery experience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots is required via bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 197869

  • Condition: Good. Nicks to blade edge and bifurcated top element, with light encrustations along verso, otherwise intact and very good. Nice smooth surfaces across obverse.

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Shipping

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November 6, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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