Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivian culture, ca. 1800 to 1500 BCE. A fabulous axe head hand-carved from jade with a mottled coloration of black, grey, and white; a rounded blade and slightly incurved sides that flare out subtly to a straight edge. The surface is delightfully smooth in texture; formed over many hours using painstaking techniques by master artisans. Hand axes like this one, although shaped like a utilitarian tool, were made specifically for ritual purposes and symbolized the power of the bearer. They were often incorporated in burials and laid to rest with the deceased. Size: 5.875" L x 4.9" W (14.9 cm x 12.4 cm); 6.56" H (16.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, USA collector from 1966

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#159190

  • Condition: Minor surface wear and nicks as expected with age and use. Fully intact!

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December 3, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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