Description:

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: 9.5" L x 3.5" W (24.1 cm x 8.9 cm)

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

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#175011

  • Condition: Nicks and chips to peripheries on both, otherwise intact. Nice mineral deposits on brown blade.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 8, 2023 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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