Pre-Columbian, Valley of Mexico, Mixtec people, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A lovely set of cast-copper axe blades (also called celts) that could also function as chisels. The shorter celt exhibits a lovely copper-brown color and has a slightly-flared blade edge. The larger celt has a lengthy body with a thick butt end, a more-pronounced flare to the blade edge, and scattered areas of gorgeous green and russet-hued patina. The larger of the two celts may have been part of a "tlaximaltepoztli," a common weapon used throughout Mesoamerica with a copper or bronze axe head inlaid into a hole through a wooden shaft. If used as a weapon, it would represent Tepoztecatl, the god of fertility. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 6.5" L x 2.125" W (16.5 cm x 5.4 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Arizona, USA collection

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#118984

Both items have surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to bodies and blade edges, and some fading to copper coloration, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Nice copper-brown patina on smaller celt, and great green and russet patina on larger celt.