Celt
Unknown Artist
before 16th century
Medium
Stone
Dimensions
Height 2-3/16 in.
Classification
Stone-Ornaments
Culture
Mexico (?)
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
1994.35.444
Art Historical Context
This petite stone celt, standing just 2-3/16 inches tall, is a captivating example of pre-Columbian artistry from Mexico (or a related Mesoamerican culture), crafted before the 16th. Carved from stone and classified as an ornament, its compact form suggests it was worn as a pendant or ceremonial accessory rather than a utilitarian tool. Such objects were meticulously polished to a smooth finish, highlighting the ancient maker's skill in working hard materials with simple stone tools. In the vibrant world of pre-Hispanic Mexico, celts like this held profound cultural significance. They often s...