This is an exceptional stone mortar of the Transition Style. Beautifully orchestrated spiral perforation on the tail and shallow well on back. Stunning multi-color Serpentine stone with nice delineation.  Valdivia region, Ecuador. Ca. 2000 B.C. - 300 B.C. Measures 6"/15.24 cm long by 3.5"/8.89 cm tall.

Choice Condition.

During the Late Formative period, there developed a great interest and desire for green stones in general. They were exotic in most areas and would have been sought in exchange over long distances as it became widespread use in domestic and mortuary contexts. The dramatic growth in popularity of green stones also occurred at about the same time in Mesoamerica.