Pre-Columbian, Uruguay & Argentina, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A collection of 3 stone and pottery spherical hunting or weapon projectiles known as bolas - the stones pecked to spherical shapes - one with a groove for securing to a cord used to swing the stone around one's head before releasing it into the sky. Bolas were invaluable tools for catching flying birds of many sizes because, once the bola struck its target, the sinew-strung stones would rapidly ensnare the creature and dramatically mitigate any chance of escape. They could also be used for self-defense. The smallest sphere is made of pottery- and similar enigmatic objects have been discovered in both North and South America, perhaps also used as slingshot ammunition - however they may have functioned as gaming pieces, and in Mexico similar clay balls were used as cooking tools. Size: 2.75" Diameter (7 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection

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#176023

Chips and abrasions to surfaces of all three as expected with age and use. Light mineral deposits.