Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A lovely hand axe known as a "celt," hand-carved from a mottled emerald green stone with light and dark inclusions. The tool has a narrow butt end which gradually widens along the midsection, and a sharpened blade edge with a slightly curved form. Celts like this example were typically used for ceremonial purposes and were oftentimes placed in tombs as grave offerings. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.5" W x 7" H (3.8 cm x 17.8 cm); 8.125" H (20.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#138655

Butt end reattached to body with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, small loss to tip of butt end, and minor nicks to blade edge. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label on verso.