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Pre-Columbian Aztec Copper Axe 1300- CE -Owen Mort

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 600.00 USD
Pre-Columbian Aztec Copper Axe 1300- CE -Owen Mort
This is a Pre-Columbian, Mexico City region, Aztec (Mexica), circa 1300 to 1500 CE copper axe from the Owen D. Mort, Jr. museum collection. This is considered a beautiful example of a tepoztli, the metal component of a "tlaximaltepoztli" (in Nahuatl, tlaximal=carpentry and tepoztli=metal axe) - the classic copper alloy axe head that was mounted on a wooden haft by fitting the butt through an opening in the top of the haft. This axe head features a tapering butt with rounded end and a head that ends in a broad curve with flaring tips and beveled edge blade. Larger axes were used in battle, while ones of smaller size were used as currency / money or ceremonially. Truly a wonderful, rare war size example, commonly seen. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and Snite Museum of Art, the University of Notre Dame, including of Afghani artifacts. Measures 2 7/8”L by 1 5/8”.