Knife or Spear Head
ClassificationsArms and Armor-projectile points
Made AtMexico, Central America, North America
MediumObsidian and pigment
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/8 x 6 1/2 in. (3.5 x 16.5 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2003.10.42d
DescriptionOne of 25 Pre-Columbian West Mexico obsidian spear points. The use of obsidian was pervasive throughout Mesoamerica as in the rest of the world. Already by the 12th Century groups in Michoacán had perfected the art of producing weapons from obsidian cores. This volcanic glass spear point would likely have been used ceremonially or possibly as a hunting knife, or socketed into weapons like the macuahuitl and spears. Immensely sharp, these chipped volcanic glass blade would have been incredibly effective at cutting.On View
Not on viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century
20th Century
19th to 20th Century
late 19th Century
late 19th - early 20th Century
late 19th - early 20th Century