Pre-Columbian, Belize, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A fine gathering of eccentric flints, so called due to the elaborate forms in which they can be formed, that are hand-knapped from chert of attractive colors. The first flint exhibits a mottled creamy white color with light blue, pink, yellow, and light gray inclusions, and the form resembles an abstract bird with outstretched wings. The second stone features an orange-peach hue and exhibits an S-like form with two serrated tendrils emanating from the center in opposite directions. The largest artifact is an abstract fishhook that is knapped from burgundy-hued stone. Size of largest (red stone): 3.55" L x 2.14" W (9 cm x 5.4 cm); (Riker box): 12.25" L x 8.25" W (31.1 cm x 21 cm)

These eccentric flints were not carved as weapons, but as interesting designs, which had sacrificial and ceremonial use for the Maya. Chert flints are made using percussion, striking them with other stones; the process required training and skill to create elaborate pieces such as this large flint. Such flints are often found as offerings in caches inside of stone monuments and other architectural features.

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#159985

Each piece has small nicks and abrasions commensurate with age and the knapping process, with light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice preservation of overall forms. The word "Belize" is written in black ink on versos. All are displayed within a modern Riker box.