Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 8
Lot of 6 Illinois Hopewell Cache Stone Blades
Description:

Native American, North America, Illinois, Hopewell culture, ca. 100 BCE to 400 CE. A finely assembled cache of six stone blades, each shaped with deliberate precision and quiet skill, representing the refined lithic traditions of the Hopewell culture of ancient Illinois. Knapped from dark chert, the blades display broad, leaf-like forms with carefully struck flake scars that catch the light across their surfaces. Their symmetry and thinning suggest skilled craftsmanship, likely produced using controlled percussion and pressure flaking techniques. While functional as cutting tools, blades of this type were often made in excess of utilitarian need, serving as ceremonial objects, trade goods, or offerings within Hopewell exchange networks that spanned much of eastern North America. Subtle variation among the examples - in size, edge refinement, and coloration - speaks to individual knappers and differing stages of use or production. Size of largest: 4.2" L x 2.5" W (10.7 cm x 6.4 cm)

Together, the group forms a cohesive and evocative cache, embodying both the technical mastery and the far-reaching cultural connections of the Hopewell world.

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior 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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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

Please note that buyers are responsible for understanding and complying with the import regulations of their destination country. While we carefully prepare and document all shipments, we cannot be held responsible for customs delays, clearance issues, additional duties or taxes, or any seizure of property. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#200270

  • Condition: All are in fine condition with a few chips commensurate with age. Forms are beautifully preserved with small deposits in lower profile areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 3, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% 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