Pre-Columbian, Classic Maya, ca. 600 to 900 CE. This is a flaked obsidian eccentric form. Importantly, this item was deaccessioned from the collection of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC. The Mint Museum holds a world-class collection of Pre-Columbian art, particularly from the ancient Maya culture. It is significant that the provenance of this object includes having once been a part of this important museum collection. Obsidian is a fine volcanic glass that was highly prized by the ancient Maya and many other Pre-Columbian cultures for its reflective nature and superior sharpness and cutting ability. Eccentric forms were a way for ancient artisans skilled in working with this medium to show off their skill at working with such a delicate and vulnerable material, painstakingly crafting them into complex, symbolic forms. Eccentrics such as this example would have been special, made for and used in cache offerings.This obsidian form was flaked to a thin and fine form, and tinkles high-pitched like fine glass when carefully tapped. This abstract form may depict a bird in flight, or perhaps represents a symbolic form (possibly indicative of the four directions) that would have been recognizable and understood by members of the Maya culture at that time. Size: 2.5" L (6.4 cm).

Provenance: Former Atlanta, GA private collection. Before that, deaccessioned from the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC.

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#113067

Intact and has not been excessively cleaned. This piece is covered in a thick patina of mineral and sediment deposits that formed over hundreds of years of burial, which attests to it being authentic and ancient. Very minor abrasions, chips, weather and wear overall, and the edges still remain very sharp.