Pre-Columbian, circa. 600-1550 AD. Dominican Republic. Depicts rain god Boinayel identified by the lines running from the bottom of each eye. The god is rarely depicted. Highly relief carved. The breasts, rounded belly and hand pushing bulge may have the combined appeal for rain and fertility making this a unique ax indeed. The usual rounded bit has become more ax like, the form complies to adding a wooden handle. There is an embossed belt below the belly. The shaft is beveled. Made of dark green basalt. 4-1/4″ wide x 17″ long. Former collection of Alfredo Carrada, NYC and Miami Beach. Purchased from Dominican antiquities dealer Dan Pucara, NYC.
