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.