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THBHuge Olmec Greenstone Celt
Lot 71b
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$8,000 - $12,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
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| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Aug 13, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-08-13 10:00:00
2020-08-13 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Ethnographic & Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-5415
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (408)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec, ca. 1500 BCE. An exceedingly large and striking ceremonial greenstone celt (axe), skillfully hand-carved from blue-green serpentine with wonderful red, beige, and black inclusions. The stone was meticulously flaked and then sanded smooth to a reflective sheen, resulting in a tool with an elegant, tapering body presenting a rounded handle and a broad upper section with an acutely-angled edge. A highly-stylized ritual form for ceremonial and/or funerary purposes, this Olmec celt exemplifies the arduous technique of ancient stone-shaping as well as Olmec's artistry. Size: 2.4" W x 25.4" H (6.1 cm x 64.5 cm); 26.125" H (66.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Celts were associated with ears of corn, the V-shape being associated with the husk from which the cob emerged. At La Venta (a coastal city near present day Tabasco), caches of celts were discovered planted vertically like miniature stelae. The blunt end of this celt would suggest a similar use, and when placed in a vertical position its appearance is much more dramatic. In this stance the celt served to define the central axis mundi and the corners of the four-sided world, regarded as a cosmic maize field.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1960 to 1970
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.
#156963Professionally repaired from several large pieces, with in-fill material in some areas, and nearly invisible resurfacing and adhesive residue along break lines; polished until repairs cannot be felt. Small nicks to peripheries and blade edge. Beautiful naturally mottled stone color throughout.Condition
- Shipping Info
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