Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. A hand-knapped mahogany obsidian spear tip of substantial size featuring a bifacial triangular blade, protruding lower fins, and a thick handle. Obsidian is a volcanic stone that was rare and difficult to obtain and was revered by ancient Mesoamericans as being among the finest and sharpest material available. A spearhead such as this, was likely an indicator of elite status or wealth, and may have been buried with the owner as a precious object to bring to the afterlife. Size: 7.5" L x 2.875" W (19 cm x 7.3 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#172343

  • Condition: Losses to tip of neck and bottom of handle, with nicks to peripheries not commensurate with the knapping process. Great surface smoothness and wonderful stone coloration.

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October 20, 2022 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