Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A beautiful ceremonial celt, hand-carved from a mottled emerald-green stone with light inclusions. The celt, or ceremonial hand axe, is defined by its thick body, a gently-tapering butt end, and a curved blade edge. The celt is a tapered hand tool of a highly-stylized ritual form with ceremonial or funerary purposes. Designed for a votive function, this is a fabulous piece of Mesoamerican art which exemplifies the arduous process of ancient stone-shaping! Size: 2.375" W x 6.8" H (6 cm x 17.3 cm).

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#138382

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, very minor nicks to butt end and body, and light roughness around butt end, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label on verso of butt end.