This item is a large Pre-Columbian Neolithic stone tool (stone ax or celt) found in Central Panama. This one was made out of a very dark Basalt. It was 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 hill over looking the Chagres River. This artifact is a surface find. As a teen, living in the town of Gatun, I visited Navy Island often to fish and camp. The wave action from ships leaving Gatun Locks would wash against the steep hillside and erode the red clay soil to expose lithic artifacts. I collected artifacts between 1966 and 1968 in the American Canal Zone prior to the transfer to Panama in 1999.

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.

This celt is in very nice condition as shown in the photos. There is a shallow surface spall on one side near the cutting edge, but this is a natural material defect within the stone.

The approximate dimensions and weights are as follows: