Celt-Shaped Pendant, c. 300 BC - AD 600. Costa Rica, Southern Nicoya region, c. 4th century BC - AD 7th century. Jadeite; overall: x cm (6 x 2 1/8 in.). 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.

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Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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