This item is a lot of 3 Pre-Columbian Neolithic stone tools (stone axes or celts) found in Central Panama. All of these were made from a dense sedimentary or metamorphic stone that is lighter in color than Basalt. All of these are thicker and heavier than the more common Basalt celts usually found in this region. One of the celts has inclusions that might be small fossils, but it is difficult to tell from a surface examination. All were found on the South East shore of a large island in Gatun Lake near the south end of the Gatun Locks. Zonians called this island "Navy Island", but the official name is Guarapo Island. Before the Panama Canal was constructed, this island was a tall hill on the banks of the Chagres River. All of these artifacts are surface finds. As a teen, living in the town of Gatun, I visited Navy Island often to fish and camp. The wave action from the ships leaving Gatun Locks would wash against the steep hillside and erode the red clay soil to expose lithic artifacts. I collected these between 1966 and 1968. All of these artifacts were collected in the American Canal Zone prior to when the territory was ceded back to Panama in 1999. The approximate dimensions and weights are as follows:

I brought several of my celts to U.C. Berkeley in 1969 for identification. I was told that they are similar to artifacts in the U.C. Berkeley collection that were dated between 500 B.C. and 600 A.D.

These celts are in very nice condition with only a few minor faults, such as edge chips, etc. The cutting edges are in very nice condition.