Axe-shaped schematic pendant; Nicoya Culture, Costa Rica, 300-500 A.D.

Schematic axe-shaped pendant; Nicoya Culture, Costa Rica, 300-500 A.D.
Stone.
Measurements. 12 x 2.5 cm.
Schematic amulet in the form of an axe head, finely carved, which adopts a simplified representation of anthropomorphic character. The piece presents a compact and refined morphology, in which small circular incisions that suggest facial features or symbolic elements stand out, reinforcing its ritual rather than utilitarian character.
This type of object is inscribed within the cultural environment of the Great Nicoya, an extensive archaeological region that includes the northwest of Costa Rica and the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. In Costa Rican territory, this area corresponds to the so-called Southern or Guanacaste Subregion, which includes the Nicoya Peninsula, the Tempisque River basin and the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges.
Human occupation of this region dates back to 10,000 B.C., but it is from the Orosí period (2000-500 B.C.) when there is evidence of more stable settlements, with the construction of circular dwellings, domestic hearths and the appearance of tools such as manos and metates, as well as the first ceramic vessels. Later, during the Tempisque period (500 B.C.-A.D. 300), an increase in ceramic production, the presence of kilns and the appearance of offerings are documented.