Pre-Columbian, southern Mexico to Guatemala, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A stunning jade stone celt, or axe head, with a polished surface. This celt is a rounded form with a tapered handle end, convex sides, and a curved blade edge. The stone is a lovely dark blue-green with lighter green veins and inclusions that are polished to a pleasantly smooth and silky surface. The celt is a hand tool of a highly stylized ritual form with ceremonial and funerary purposes. This blade would have been hafted onto a wooden handle of a ceremonial hatchet. Designed for a votive function, celts like these are fabulous examples of fine artistry! Size: 8.25" L x 2.75" W (21 cm x 7 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Bill Freeman collection, New Mexico, USA, before 2000

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#160656

Abrasion to the handle tip and verso of handle. Small abrasion on verso closer to blade edge. Minor nicks blade periphery. Polished surface with lovely natural stone inclusions.