About the Object

This celt, or hand axe, was carved and polished from blue-green jade to create the representation of an anthropomorphic figure with two avian (bird) heads and hollowed-out eyes. The smaller of the two birds rests upon the head of the larger one, with a long beak extending down to meet the figure’s torso. Arms/wings are indicated by diagonal cuts, while the hands face forward from the work’s body.

Additional Information

Since the blade of this celt is short and rounded, the stone may have been previously used or become worn away over time and recycled into this artistic piece; or, the blade may have been created specifically for ritual prestige, not intended to be used as an actual blade.