A Magnificent Jade Axe God Pendant Costa Rica, c. 300-700 AD Dark blue-green jade with a high polish. The full figure appears to be squatting with hands raised to chest. Distinctive long tongue with etched chevron descending from open mouth showing teeth. Similar chevron lines are etched on the tall crown or headdress. Groves depict feet, fingers, nose and eyebrows; drilled at eyes, corners of the mouth and pierced transversely through neck for suspension. Break line down back. In excellent condition. Provenance: Private collection, Atlanta, GA Enrique Vargas Alfaro, 1960s. Mr. Alfaro was the source of highest quality Pre-Columbian art sold to prestigious collections such as Andre Emmerich, Morton D. May, Frederick and Jan Mayer, and William C. and Carol W. Thibodeaux. Artworks listing him as provenance appear in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, The Denver Art Museum, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Enrique was the grandson of Anastasio Alfaro (1865-1951), archaeologist, geologist, ethnographer, explorer and writer -- an important personality in the cultural development of Costa Rica. He was a member of the board at the National Museum of Costa Rica and author of Antigüedades en Costa Rica (1892). Height: 7 inches HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved