Description:

Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. A gorgeous and delicate celt that is hand-carved from jadeite of soft sage and pistachio green hues. This celt is an ancient tool, shaped like an axe head with a rounded blade and slightly incurved sides that form a straight edge; a biconically drilled suspension hole is present on the butt end. The surface is delightfully smooth in texture; formed over many hours using painstaking techniques by master artisans. The lovely green hues of the jade made this a desirable piece, and jade held symbolic power for ancient cultures; perhaps its color was associated with water and vegetation. In Mesoamerica, from the time of the Olmec civilization, the simple blade was associated with agriculture and food, since stone axe heads were used for clearing fields. However, a stunning jade celt such as this one would have been used in important ritual ceremonies. Size: 6.25" L x 1.55" W (15.9 cm x 3.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174977

  • Condition: Small chips to blade head and butt end, with a few stable hairline fissures, otherwise in excellent condition. Nice surface smoothness throughout. Collection label on one side of butt end.

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October 27, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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