Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1150 to 550 BCE. A beautiful, hand-carved ceremonial celt (hand axe) formed from mottled green stone with beige, grey, and green inclusions. Meticulously flaked and sanded smooth to a reflective sheen, the tool has an elongated body with a stocky handle, a rounded butt end, and a tapered blade edge. The celt is a tapered hand tool of a highly-stylized ritual form with ceremonial and funerary purposes. Designed for a votive function, this is a fantastic piece which exemplified the artistry and arduous process of ancient stone-shaping! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.625" W x 10.6" H (6.7 cm x 26.9 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Claude Cassuto collection, France, acquired before 1969

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#144509

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to blade edge, body, and butt end, with small pitting holes, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within some pitting holes. Old inventory label on verso.

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March 21, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000