Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Mixtec to Aztec culture, ca. 1250 to 1521 CE. A superb collection of 8 stone and shell grips or finials which once adorned the end of a spear-throwing weapon known as an atlatl. Each are a similar arched shape, with additional incised linear or protruding zoomorphic heads. Drilled perforations through the tips of each side enabled these grips to attach to the atlatl handle, and this would have allowed a warrior to hurl spears at a higher velocity and with greater precision than was possible simply through a throwing motion. The 5 shell grips are made from a creamy beige and orange shell, possibly Spondylus, and a chalky white shell, perhaps from another type of clam. The heads protruding from the sides resemble stylized feline or jaguars - several have drilled eyes that may have been inlaid with additional stones. Size (largest shell): 1.75" L x 0.5" W x 1.35" H (4.4 cm x 1.3 cm x 3.4 cm)

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

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#168436

Natural ossification and pitting to shell pieces and softening of heads. Chips and nicks to stone pieces. Minor surface abrasions throughout, but all are intact and very good.