Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Mexico City region, Aztec, ca. 1300 to 1500 CE. A fine copper axe head displaying an elongated body that flares to a curved blade at one end. Used as currency in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, this axe head is also known as a tajadero, the Spanish word for a chopping knife, due to the shape. A single tajadero, like this example, was thought to be equal to roughly 8000 cacao seeds. In the early days after the Spanish conquest, this type of currency continued to be used in the absence of minted coins from Spain. A pretty green and russet patina covers the surface! Size (axe money): 6.5" L x 1.7" W (16.5 cm x 4.3 cm); (case): 8.2" L x 6.2" W (20.8 cm x 15.7 cm) Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #173212