Collection Online as of February 3, 2023
Celt-Shaped Pendant
Jadeite
Overall: 15.2 x 5.4 cm (6 x 2 1/8 in.)
James Albert and Mary Gardiner Ford Memorial Fund 1972.4
Location
233 Mesoamerican and Intermediate Region
Description
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.