Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A magnificent ensemble of over 100 hand-carved white shell beads and 6 hand-knapped obsidian pectoral pendants, all set in a modern wood and glass frame. Boasting a lustrous surface, all the shell beads present discoid bodies with central annular drill holes. Alternatively, each pectoral is rendered in a curved shape perhaps intended to conjure lunar crescents, with perforations at either end for suspension. Size (largest pectoral): 5.875" L x 0.5" W (14.9 cm x 1.3 cm); Size (beads, all about the same): 0.25" W (0.6 cm); Size (frame): 12.75" W x 18.625" H (32.4 cm x 47.3 cm)

Obsidian carvings were coveted offerings found in Colima tombs. Colima, located on Mexico's southwestern coast, was part of the shaft tomb tradition, along with neighbors to the north in Jalisco and Nayarit. In this culture, the deceased were interred in shafts, approximately 3 to 20 meters deep, that were dug vertically or near vertically through the volcanic tuff that makes up the geology of the region. The base of the shaft would open into one or more horizontal chambers with low ceilings. These shafts were almost always dug beneath a dwelling, probably a family home, and scholars posit that they were likely used as family mausoleums, housing the remains of many related individuals.

Obsidian - "iztli" to them - fascinated the ancient Mesoamericans; the Aztecs even had a god, Tezcatlipoca, who was the Lord of the Smoking Obsidian Mirror; indeed, obsidian was used to create mirrors as well. Furthermore, in a world without metal, obsidian's ability to be sharp was also 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 in Guatemala, was 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 stones to form blades and coveted forms like these.

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

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#162467

Has not been examined outside of frame. All pectorals have repair and restoration. Beads and pectorals show expected surface wear with light nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Petite nick to top of frame. Otherwise, excellent.