Axe forms are an integral part of virtually every
culture known to man. However, Costa Rican
axes in the form of figure-celt pendants
fashioned from jade are quite distinctive. Jade is
a very rare and unique gemstone, found in only
half a dozen parts of the world, Mesoamerica
being one of these locations. Also, because of its
internal structure, jade is one of the toughest
and most durable of stones, resulting in the
inability of the Pre-Columbian artists to work the
stone with the metals that were known and
available in Costa Rica at that time. Therefore,
the ancient lapidary materials that the artists
used to fashion exquisite works of art, such as
this jade figure-celt pendant, were nonmetallic:
stones of equal hardness, bamboo, twine, sand
and water, primarily. Here we see the
extraordinary results of an artist's use of these
materials, sawing, carving, sanding, drilling,
abrading and polishing the raw jade to produce a
sophisticated masterpiece--one which is
aesthetically appealing to all who experience its
spirited beauty. We see the bold image of a jade
axe carved in the stylized shape of a human
figure with hands positioned across his chest,
the mask-like face radiating an intrinsic power
and energy. The ultimate in quality and
refinement, this jade figure-celt pendant is a
testament to the artistic achievements of a
culture now lost in time, but certainly not lost in
spirit.
- (PF.2457)
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