Description:

Mexico / Guatemala, Late Pre-Classic, circa 400 bce - ce 100. Unusually large deep blackish green jadeite ceremonial celt. Celts such as this were placed upright in small caches, often included with a series of jade carved figures. 10-1/2" long x 2-7/8" wide x 1-1/2" thick... weighs just about 5 lbs! Excellent condition, though with an ancient break across the entire thickness of the celt just below the middle region, and a small (3/8" x 1/8")shallow chip to the bit area. This damage was surely caused by much weight and stress bearing down onto the celt for centuries, since it was placed standing upright (planted) on butt end in a kan-cross shaped, ritual cache mimicking the creation of the Mesoamerican cosmos. It has its original and fine (amazing) polish present overall, with no degradation of the surface save for calcitic deposits.

Provenance: Private Midwestern Collection.

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  • Condition: Ancient repaired break, else near choice

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June 13, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000