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Knife or Spear Head, 300-1519
West Mexico
Obsidian; 1 3/4 x 5 7/8 in. 
2003.10.42E
Anonymou…
Knife or Spear Head
Knife or Spear Head, 300-1519
West Mexico
Obsidian; 1 3/4 x 5 7/8 in. 
2003.10.42E
Anonymou…
Knife or Spear Head, 300-1519 West Mexico Obsidian; 1 3/4 x 5 7/8 in. 2003.10.42E Anonymous Gift

Knife or Spear Head

ClassificationsArms and Armor-projectile points
Made AtMexico, Central America, North America
MediumObsidian
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 x 5 7/8 in. (4.4 x 14.9 cm)
Credit LineAnonymous Gift
Object number2003.10.42e
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.
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