Pre-Columbian, Belize, New River (Rio Nuevo), Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A pair of massive knapped chert stone daggers or tools with long blades and wide shoulders. These blades were created by hitting a harder stone against the chert to flake or knap the edges to sharp points with a midrib down the center area. While a simple process, knapping took quite a bit of skill and patience, because any stroke that was too strong could break the chert or flake off more than the desired amount! Daggers like these examples have been found at several archaeological sites throughout southern Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. Although they are called "daggers," they are only found in ritual deposits, and their forms suggest a ceremonial purpose rather than a utilitarian one. Size: 10.25" L x 2.25" W (26 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174963

A few minor chips and nicks along peripheries of both. Otherwise intact and very good. Light mineral encrustations on brown chert stone.