Very Rare and exceptional green stone mortar. This superbly made mortar is in the shape of a monkey. Linear design on both top and sides of straight tail with lovely patina throughout. Choice condition. Valdivia region, Ecuador. Ca. 4000 - 300 B.C. Measures over 8" in length.

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.