Celt
Unknown Artist
before 16th century
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
Length 4-7/8 in.
Classification
Stone-Implements
Culture
Maya (?)
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Arthur M. Bullowa, 1993
Accession Number
1994.35.381
Art Historical Context
This ancient stone celt, tentatively attributed to Maya culture and dating before the 16th century, exemplifies the sophisticated stoneworking traditions of Mesoamerican peoples. Measuring just 4-7/8 inches in length, this compact tool—classified as a stone implement—was likely used as an axe or adze head for woodworking, agriculture, or ceremonial purposes.ed from carefully selected stone and polished to a smooth finish, it reflects the technical prowess of pre-Columbian artisans, transformed raw materials into functional yet elegantly proportioned objects. In Maya society, such celts held b...