A Costa Rican Jadeite Profile Monkey Pendant, Classic Period, ca. 300 - 900 CE

Costa Rican jade pendants are often in the form of "axe-gods," in which an effigy carving of an animal, person, or a combination thereof, surmounts a smooth blade in the form of a polished axe or celt and is drilled transversely for suspension. These celts were not functional weapons, but rather badges of office, status, or clan-type affiliation, and were worn on the person as pendants. Purposefully shaped like functional axes or celts, these highly-prized pendants gave recognition to the importance of the working tools used in agriculture and forestry. Carved from mottled green jadeite, this pendant is in the form of a monkey in profile, with a protruding brow ridge, indented eyes, and an open mouth, the body tapering to a point. Medium: Jade Dimensions: Height: 3 inches (7.5 cm) Condition: Complete, rejoined at center but otherwise in excellent condition overall. A very fine example. Provenance: Mirtha Virginia de Perea (1929 - 2019) private collection of Costa Rican art.