Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala / Guerrero region, late Olmec to Proto Maya / Mezcala culture, ca. 550 to 300 BCE. A stone celt carved from a dense, dark green to black serpentine, its surface exhibiting the mottled granular structure and a polished luster. The celt is shaped into an elongated, gently tapered form with a rounded, domed poll and a broad cutting edge, all carefully ground and polished to a smooth finish. Serpentine's high magnesium content gives the tool both its distinctive coloration and the satisfying heft associated with functional ground-stone implements. Likely intended as a prestige or ceremonial object rather than a utilitarian axe, this piece is in superb condition. Size: 7.75" L x 2.3" W (19.7 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#198303

  • Condition: Intact and excellent with a smooth and polished surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

December 5, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000