Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. An ensemble of lustrous obsidian cores of slender, columnar forms. Each core exhibits vertical grooves from the knapping process and a petite base. The fluted sides taper from the base to rounded tips. Each was at one time a cone shape but was then flaked in order to create razor sharp blades. The blades were created by applying pressure to the base of these cores to flake off a part of the face, which created the fluted surface seen here. Obsidian breaks in a very predictable and controlled way and the resulting fragments can be razor sharp. In fact, obsidian is one of the sharpest stones on the planet, and modern-day surgeons still use obsidian tools! Size of largest: 7.4" L x 1.5" W (18.8 cm x 3.8 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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#163368
Condition
Minor nicks and abrasions commensurate with age and use, otherwise intact and very good. Great luster across most surfaces.