Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, Protoclassic Period, ca. 100 BCE to 250 CE. A fine collection of 3 obsidian cores exhibiting pleasingly smooth surface textures and attractive luster. Each core features vertical grooves from the knapping process that surround its dense, lengthy form, and fluted sides taper from the base to the rounded tip. Obsidian cores like these were used for creating razor-sharp blades by applying pressure to the base to flake off a part of the face; obsidian breaks in a predictable and controlled manner. In fact, obsidian is one of the sharpest stones on the planet, and modern-day surgeons still use obsidian tools. Size of largest: 2.1" W x 7.7" H (5.3 cm x 19.6 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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#163367
Condition
Chips and nicks to bodies, upper tips, and bases not commensurate with knapping process, otherwise intact and very good. Great surface smoothness and luster throughout.