This is a Pre-Columbian, Southern Mexico to Guatemala, Olmec culture circa 1150 to 550 BCE celt axe in serpentine from the Sundog Bruce VanLandingham collection. A hand-carved serpentine stone celt axe of nice medium substantial form that exhibits a wonderful plethora of mottled black and green to yellow hues. The stone was meticulously flaked and then smoothed to a fantastic celt axe shape, resulting in an elegant, tapering body presenting a rounded handle and a broad upper section with an acutely-angled edge, flaring tips. A highly-stylized ritual form for ceremonial and/or funerary purposes, this Olmec celt exemplifies the arduous technique of ancient stone-shaping as well as Olmec's artistry. Provenance: From the renowned Sundog Fine Art Bozeman, Montana collection and acquired by Bruce VanLandingham. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector Bruce also was the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman which was both part museum and gallery. Serpentine or green celt’s from the Olmec are immensely rare, especially in this size and beauty of stone; a few examples for reference include the Serpentine Olmec Celt sold by Artemis Gallery in October 2022 for $2,403.50, the Olmec Greenstone Celt also sold by Artemis Gallery in June 2021 for $4,980, and the Greenstone Drilled Celt sold by Dan Morphy Auction in November 2013 for $7,200 (all shown w/ bp). Measures 4”L and about 1 5/8”W. Celts were associated with ears of corn, the V-shape being associated with the husk from which the cob emerged. At La Venta (a coastal city near present day Tabasco), caches of celts were discovered planted vertically like miniature stelae. The blunt end of this celt would suggest a similar use, and when placed in a vertical position its appearance is much more dramatic. In this stance the celt served to define the central axis mundi and the corners of the four-sided world, regarded as a cosmic maize field.