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Product Description
Made of solid mottled green Serpentine, this is a spectacular and large carved stone halberd axe from Pre-Columbian South America. It most likely was a ceremonial or votive weapon as it would have been too fragile in its design, to be functional. The end of the shaft base has been drilled to affix this axe to a wooden or bone handle. There is a single fracture that has been repaired without being restored and concealed. It comes from a very old New York City private collection dating the 1950's and was likely in this repaired state for decades. If desired, the buyer could have it professionally restored so that the repair would not be visible but as it is now, it serves to show it is complete except for this single fracture. Considering the fragile nature of the design of this axe, it is somewhat miraculous it survived complete. It was likely a votive offering or trophy object of a high-ranking warrior or warrior of noble family lineage.
This is the only instance in our 33 year history of working extensively with ancient artifacts, that we have ever seen an object like this. It and another smaller, unbroken example (PC285) were the only ones of their kind in this collection so after this and the other are sold, it would likely be another lifetime before you see another one. For extreme rarity in Pre-Columbian polished stone axes, this is one that would rank right at the top!
Mineral deposits are intact throughout the surfaces, in microscopic openings and in the bi-conically drilled hole - irrefutable evidence of age and authenticity. Private collection label still intact. Made from a gorgeous mottled mint green and black Serpentine stone with a naturally lustrous ancient polish.
