Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fine collection of 3 stone spear blades created from large pieces of black obsidian. Each blade is well-crafted with lengthy ovoid forms and knapped edges. At one end is a pointed tip, and the other end has a straight edge that served as the grip end or for attaching. The blades may have been secured to the end of a lengthy wooden pole with leather or textile strips to use as tools or serve a ritualistic purpose. Obsidian was revered by ancient Mesoamericans as being some of the finest and sharpest material available. These three are beautifully preserved and displayed in a Riker case. Size of largest blade 6" L x 1.75" W (15.2 cm x 4.4 cm; case: 12.25" L x .75" W x 8.25" H (31.1 cm x 1.9 cm x 21 cm)

Obsidian - also known as "iztli" - fascinated the ancient Mesoamericans; the Aztecs even had a god, Tezcatlipoca, who was the Lord of the Smoking Obsidian Mirror. The shockingly-sharp edges and point of this piece demonstrate its great allure. In a world without metal, this sharp quality was especially important for ceremonies of ritual bloodletting and human sacrifice. The difficult-to-obtain material came from volcanic sources in the Sierra Madre of Mexico and Guatemala, traded hundreds of miles to meet the demand for sharp cutting tools and ritual objects, and then was struck using a deer antler or small hammer stone to form blades and other shapes.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#162475

Light mineral deposits. Chips and nicks to peripheries and faces not from knapping. Forms are well preserved. Displayed in Riker case.