Incised Celt [Mexico; Olmec] (1978.412.5) | Work of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Incised Celt, 10th–6th century B.C.
Mexico; Olmec
Jade (jadeite); H. 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1963 (1978.412.5)

A large, finely finished jadeite celt with an engraved profile image of an early Mexican deity was not a working tool but an object of specialized use and sacred signficance.

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Related Timeline(s)

• Mexico, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D.

Related Thematic Essay(s)

• Ancient American Jade

Related Index Terms

Material and Technique

• Stone, Jade

Object

• Implement, Hunting

Subject Matter/Theme

Technical Glossary

• Jadeite

Citation for this page:

"Incised Celt [Mexico; Olmec] (1978.412.5)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jade/ho_1978.412.5.htm (October 2006)

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Incised Celt, 10th–6th century B.C.
Mexico; Olmec
Jade (jadeite); H. 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1963 (1978.412.5)