A published Costa Rican Owl-Form Quartz Mace Head, ca. 500 - 1000 CE

A superb example of a Pre-Columbian ceremonial mace head, carved in the form of an owl’s head from dense, veined brownish-gray quartz naturally flecked with crystalline white. The head is rounded and compact, pierced vertically with a shaft hole for attachment to a wooden staff. Dominating the front are two large circular eyes, carefully carved to take advantage of the high concentration of white mineral inclusions, resulting in a striking contrast against the darker matrix and imbuing the piece with a penetrating, expressive gaze. A lightly incised line subtly outlines the facial features, including the narrowed beak and brow. Small pointed ear tufts crown the head, stylized and projecting slightly. The surface is finely smoothed and polished, enhancing both the form and natural patterning of the stone. Non-functional and purely ceremonial, such mace heads were symbols of authority and lineage. Each example was likely clan-specific, with animals such as monkeys, bats, snakes, and owls