Description:

Pre-Columbian, Belize, Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A set of two handsome daggers, each hand-knapped from chert of either creamy-white or smoky beige hues. Both daggers have a thick handle, a petaloid blade with sharpened edges, a shallow midrib, and a pointed tip. Daggers like these examples have been found at several archaeological sites throughout southern Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, including the famous Maya site of Cuello in northern Belize and at Tikal. Although they are sometimes called "daggers," they are only found in ritual deposits, and their form suggests a ceremonial purpose rather than a utilitarian tool. Size of each (both are relatively similar): 1.625" W x 6.4" H (4.1 cm x 16.3 cm).

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection

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.

#146379

  • Condition: Both items have light abrasions to blade faces and handles, with minor nicks to edges and tips, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Both items have old inventory information written in black ink on verso.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% 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