Pre-Columbian, Mexico & Central America, Maya & Aztec culture, ca. 500 to 1532 CE. An impressive collection of 6 chert and obsidian blades of assorted sizes in a modern wood and glass display case. The larger blades feature slightly convex faces, sharpened edges, and lanceolate shapes, and the smallest has a notched shoulder and neck - ideal for hafting to a shaft as a spear projectile. Stone blades were utilized for a variety of purposes: cutting meat and other foodstuffs, or for warfare - however their size and quality suggests these were votive pieces for burial or ritual, rather than use. Of interest is the black obsidian blade which has a golden sheen across the surface. The golden iridescence is a result of water vapor trapped in the lava as it solidifies; the gas bubbles stretch outwards along the flow layers and as the lava cools the bubbles become permanent parts of the matrix, reflecting the light! Size of largest blade: 8" L x 2.5" W (20.3 cm x 6.4 cm); case: 17.75" L x 12" W (45.1 cm x 30.5 cm)

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: ex-private Idledale, Colorado, USA collection; ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II was that son of John B. Kendrick, Wyoming governor and US senator

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#175295

Smaller white blade is repaired from 2 pieces, break line visible. Loss to periphery of larger white blade and tip of black obsidian blade. Minor nicks and abrasions to others, but overall great condition. Notched blade has find site written on surface and remains of mounting adhesive. Comes in a modern wood and glass case.