Context (Other owners)
In his bequest schedule, Prof. Richard Keynes describes this object as one of three stone age gods, which is 'of black stone with incised features... Collected by Master of Arms W.E. Mussin RN in Costa Rica between 1905 and 1920.'
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Auction / Sale)
Purchased by donor from Christie's South Kensingon, 11 October 1991, lot 285.
Event Date 11/10/1991
Author: Imogen Gunn

Description (Physical description)
Black stone figure-celt pendant or Axe God. Short, rounded body with celt-shaped lower end. The upper-two thirds are incised to suggest a stylised human figure, with drilled eyes, wearing a hat or headdress. The pendant is perforated latitudinally, level with the eyes. The reverse has two parallel incised lines, running longitudinally down the body and is otherwise undecorated.
Event Date 18/2/2014
Author: maa

Context (Analysis)
On 20 March 2015, Professor Mary Miller, Yale University, examined this object. She believes it comes from the Atlantic Slope of Costa Rica and dates to 500-1,000 AD, both of which have now been added to the catalogue record.
Event Date 20/3/2015
Author: Imogen Gunn

Description (Physical description)
Stone figure-celt pendant with plano-convex cross-section. Round cutting edge remaining at the base, with the rest of the body and butt carved into a stylised human figure. The reverse is flat, with two parallel grooves running vertically down the centre. Details of facial features and the body are rendered by carved grooves, and the eyes by drilling; the figure also wears a head-dress. The pendant is perforated latitudinally at the eyes of the figure for suspension. Polished surfaces. Black stone.
Event Date 1/7/2024
Author: Esther Laver