Item 003. Taíno Jadeite. Dutch export permit. Hatchet - 47 cm
09
days
10
hours
28
minutes
40
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 7,200 - € 8,800
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Taíno ceremonial hand axe (ca. 1000–1500 AD) from the Greater Antilles, carved in volcanic stone, weight 2.890 kg and dimensions 470 × 50 × 175 mm, material Jadeite with Dutch export permit, in excellent condition and origin República Dominicana, acquired from Casa de subastas in 2028.
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Description from the seller
Taíno ceremonial hand axe – ca. 1000–1500 AD – Greater Antilles – 2.890 kg
A monumental Taíno ceremonial hand axe, carved from dense volcanic stone and showcasing an extraordinary combination of size, balance, and craftsmanship. This imposing artifact, likely wielded by a cacique or spiritual figure, evokes the ceremonial and symbolic might of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.
The axe head features a smooth, elongated blade tapering toward a rounded, polished grip, with the broader cutting edge extending to 175 mm. The entire piece is finely shaped and symmetrically balanced, with an elegant curvature along the shaft. Despite its weight, the piece retains remarkable ergonomics, suggesting it was intended for display or ritual use rather than practical function.
Preserved in very fine condition, with light mineral encrustation, natural wear along the edge, and no signs of modern intervention. The surface retains an authentic, ancient patina throughout.
• Culture: Taíno
• Region: Greater Antilles (likely Hispaniola or Puerto Rico)
•Date: ca. 1000–1500 AD
• Material: Volcanic stone
• Weight: 2.890 kg
• Dimensions: 470 × 50 × 175 mm (at blade)
A striking and rare piece of Taíno ceremonial weaponry, ideal for connoisseurs of early Caribbean archaeology and sacred indigenous artifacts.
Taíno ceremonial hand axe – ca. 1000–1500 AD – Greater Antilles – 2.890 kg
A monumental Taíno ceremonial hand axe, carved from dense volcanic stone and showcasing an extraordinary combination of size, balance, and craftsmanship. This imposing artifact, likely wielded by a cacique or spiritual figure, evokes the ceremonial and symbolic might of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.
The axe head features a smooth, elongated blade tapering toward a rounded, polished grip, with the broader cutting edge extending to 175 mm. The entire piece is finely shaped and symmetrically balanced, with an elegant curvature along the shaft. Despite its weight, the piece retains remarkable ergonomics, suggesting it was intended for display or ritual use rather than practical function.
Preserved in very fine condition, with light mineral encrustation, natural wear along the edge, and no signs of modern intervention. The surface retains an authentic, ancient patina throughout.
• Culture: Taíno
• Region: Greater Antilles (likely Hispaniola or Puerto Rico)
•Date: ca. 1000–1500 AD
• Material: Volcanic stone
• Weight: 2.890 kg
• Dimensions: 470 × 50 × 175 mm (at blade)
A striking and rare piece of Taíno ceremonial weaponry, ideal for connoisseurs of early Caribbean archaeology and sacred indigenous artifacts.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Item 003. Taíno
Country of Origin
Dominican Republic
Century/ Timeframe
10th/15th AD Taino Culture Caribbean 2.9 Kg
Material
Jadeite. Dutch export permit.
Acquired from
Auction house
Condition
Excellent
Year acquired
2028
Style
Pre-Columbian
Country acquired from
Germany
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
47 cm
Width
50 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Depth
17.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Military Context
No
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
