POLISH HOCKEY Olmec culture, Veracruz region,... Lot 32
Result :
Not available
Estimate :
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POLISH HOCKEY Olmec culture, Veracruz region, Mexico Middle
Pre-Classical, 900-400 BC
Blue-green jade with white veins
H. 21 cm - W. 8 cm
Olmec celt, blue-green jade with white veins, Mexico, H. 8 1/4 in - W. 3 1/16 in
Provenance: Private American
Collection
Acquired by the current owner in 1989
Galerie Merrin, New York ?
In the Olmec culture, stone axes, which were particularly valuable tools, were widely used even before the metal had made its appearance in Mesoamerica.
In addition to the axes used for practical purposes, there were others for ritual use.
Their actual function is not known, but it is obvious that these objects were offered to the gods or supernatural powers as part of imposed rites.
Most Olmec ceremonial axes are made of serpentine, but others, such as the one presented in this sale, were made of very hard jadeite, a stone prized and appreciated by the Olmecs.
The shape and brilliance of this axe clearly indicates the craftsman's desire to enhance the beauty of the colour while bringing out the two veins of the stone.
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