**Originally Listed At $250**

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A collection of 14 obsidian blades each hand knapped for use as cutting tools. All pieces, except for the largest, are probably formed by flaking fragments from a cone shaped obsidian core. These blades are relatively flat with thin, razor sharp edges. In a world without metal, this sharp quality was especially important for ceremonies of ritual bloodletting and human sacrifice. The largest obsidian tool in the group is probably formed by flaking smaller fragments from a raw obsidian stone to create the slightly tapered butt end and tapered frontal point. The blade may have been used as a spear head and secured to the end of a lengthy wooden pole with leather or textile strips. All are displayed in modern Riker case. Size of largest blade: 5.75" L x 0.5" W (14.6 cm x 1.3 cm); case: 12.25" L x 8.25" W (31.1 cm x 21 cm)

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162469

Some are fragmentary. Chips and nicks to peripheries. Light mineral deposits. Good condition with Riker case.