Pre-Columbian, Belize, New River (Rio Nuevo), Maya, Late Classic Period, ca. 550 to 900 CE. An impressive hand-knapped chert stone dagger with a lengthy blade and prominent midrib. The chert is a smokey beige, black, and orange hue with speckled inclusions and mineral deposits across the surface. This type of blade was created by hitting a harder stone against the chert to flake or knap the edges to sharp points and shape the midrib and short handle extending from the shoulders. Daggers like these examples have been found at several archaeological sites throughout southern Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. Although they are called "daggers," they are often found in ritual deposits, and their forms suggest a ceremonial purpose rather than a utilitarian one. Size: 9.85" L x 1.75" W (25 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#159983

Minor surface abrasions as expected with age and use, otherwise intact and excellent. Mineral deposits on the face.