Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A fine collection of 5 stone spear blades hand-knapped from sizeable pieces of lustrous, black obsidian. The largest blade presents a triangular form and a concave handle with a pointed end, while the other 4 blades all exhibit symmetrical ovoid shapes. 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 5 are nicely preserved and displayed in a Riker case. Size of largest: 9.9" L x 2" W (25.1 cm x 5.1 cm); Size of case: 18.75" L x 12.75" H (47.6 cm x 32.4 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 sharp edges and point of these examples demonstrate their 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: ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Arkansas, USA, acquired 1950s to 1960s

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#161380

Has not been examined outside of case. All are intact and excellent.