Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Middle Preclassic to late Classic period, ca. 300 BCE to 900 CE. A fine gathering of 11 hand-carved stone ritual celts of gray, light green, and mottled dark green hues. One celt has a rectangular body with a missing butt end, and the remaining celts exhibit trapezoidal bodies with broad, acutely angled edges and tapered butts. Size of largest: 5.125" L x 2.1" W (13 cm x 5.3 cm)

Celts were associated with ears of corn in the Pre-Columbian world, the V-shape being associated with the husk from which the cob emerged. At the ancient Olmec site of La Venta (a coastal city near present day Tabasco), caches of celts were discovered planted vertically like miniature stelae. The blunt end of these celts would suggest similar uses, and when placed in a vertical position their appearance is much more dramatic. Vertical celts served to define the central axis mundi and the corners of the four-sided world, regarded as a cosmic maize field.

Provenance: private Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA collection, Inherited from late brother in 2019

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#157193

Loss to butt end of rectangular celt as shown; remaining 10 celts are intact and very good. All pieces have light abrasions and nicks to bodies, butts, and blade edges. Smooth surface textures throughout.