Native American, eastern and midwestern North America, late Archaic to early Woodlands periods, ca. 2000 BCE to 200 CE; Pre-Columbian, Mexico and Guatemala, Maya Territories, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An exemplary grouping of 17 stone tools, celts, and pendants; 16 black and grey stones from the North American late Archaic to early Woodlands periods and 1 greyish-green jadeite celt from the ancient Maya. Four of these remarkable artefacts present flat bodies of slate-like stone with a drill hole through their faces, suggesting that they were likely adze or axe heads. Another similar stone appears to have split at the site of its horizontal drill hole. A sixth stone does not feature an aperture, but instead a rectangular form and tapered edges, implying that it had a similar function. One more impressive piece is also slate-like with no hole and a long body that tapers to a point, perhaps having previously served as a knife. Size of largest: 5" L x 1.75" H (12.7 cm x 4.4 cm)

Four additional examples each display one concave edge, indicating that they are halves of adze or axe heads that split at their vertical drill holes. Similarly, another stone showcases one rounded face and one flat face with a semicircular perforation on one end of its flat face, hinting that it may have also split at its vertical drill hole. A thirteenth stone exhibits a lengthy body that is flat on one side with a recessed center, a vertical drill hole, and decoratively incised peripheries, suggesting it may have been part of a pipe. One more example showcases an ovoid form and a recessed band that wraps around it lengthwise where it was likely strapped to a stick to be used as a hammer. Nearly complete, a lovely, smoothly carved stone boasts a curved body with pointed ends and a vertical drill hole, possibly having served as a type of pick. Lightest in color, the sixteenth stone has a rough body with a gentle curve. Alternatively, the Maya jadeite celt features a tapered edge and a thick, curved head, all in a rich shade of midnight green with sage-hued inclusions. Sanded smooth, this celt perhaps served a votive or ceremonial function.

The value of jade and jadeite for people in ancient Central America lay in its symbolic power: perhaps its color was associated with water and vegetation; the Maya would place jade and jadeite beads in the mouths of the dead. Many scholars have argued that the demand for jadeite contributed to the rise of long distance trading networks and to the rise of urban centers in ancient Mesoamerica.

Provenance: private Kansas City, Missouri, USA collection; ex-John Townsend collection, acquired in the 1970s and earlier

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#162028

Thirteen stones are fragments or have significant losses. Collection label on one and collection number written on two. All have expected abrasions, nicks/chips, and scratches, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, all are very nice.