Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Valdivia culture, ca. 3500 to 1800 BCE. A very fine stone celt or axe head that is comprised of a straight handle side and slightly flared corners, with a convex body that tapers to a rounded cutting edge. The stone is a lovely gray with speckled black and white inclusions. This celt was formed by pecking and grinding until smooth. The slight lateral projections on the handle edge may have made this blade head easier to attached to a wooden pole or handle. Hand axes of this form have been found as part of the Kotosh Religious tradition, a name that archaeologists have given to ritual buildings built between 3000 and 1500 BCE in the mountain drainages of the Andes. Celts like this one, although shaped like a utilitarian tool, were made specifically for ritual purposes and were often buried with people of importance. The surface of this stone is pleasantly tactile and well preserved! Size: 7.75" L x 5" W (19.7 cm x 12.7 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Richard Scheiferle collection, Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, 1970s to 2000s

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160666

Small surface abrasions. Nicks to peripheries. Smooth surface and large size!