Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central America, Mexico / Guatemala / Belize, Maya, Classic Period, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A collection of 4 intricately shaped chert and quartzite objects, commonly referred to as "eccentric flints." These abstract forms are believed to have had ceremonial or symbolic significance rather than practical use as tools or weapons. Often found as offerings in caches within stone monuments and other architectural features, eccentric flints may have served sacrificial purposes or been part of ritual contexts. Two of the pieces somewhat resemble outstretched wings, leading some researchers to suggest they may represent bats, birds, or butterflies, animals with symbolic importance in Maya culture. The creation of these flints involved skilled craftsmanship, requiring precise flaking of the stone with a harder tool to achieve the elaborate shapes. Size of longest flint: 4.6" L x 1.25" W (11.7 cm x 3.2 cm); case: 12" L x 8" W (30.5 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired from the 1980s to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#189558

  • Condition: Losses to the projections and barbs on the longest beige flint. Chips and small losses to the edges of the others. No repairs or restoration. Displayed in a modern Riker case.

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October 25, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000