Pre-Columbian, Central America, Costa Rica, ca. 700 to 900 CE. A compact and beautifully abstracted bird amulet, carved in dense green stone with a quiet, ceremonial presence. The figure is rendered with tucked, striated wings, a subtly modeled body, and neatly delineated toes, giving the small form a surprising sense of weight and stability. Most distinctive is the long, curved beak, opened into an elegant openwork loop, functioning as both a dramatic profile and a practical suspension element. Pierced for wear, this amulet belongs to the long Costa Rican tradition of portable stone ornaments - objects that likely served as protective charms, status markers, or personal talismans, carried close to the body like a private guardian. Size: 1.4" W x 2" H (3.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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Item # 199561

  • Condition: Good. Area of chipping to upper left of one side, but, otherwise, intact, wearable, and in very good overall condition with impressive detail.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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