Pre-Columbian, Mayan Territories, ca. 600 to 900 CE. A caramel-yellow stone knapped into a long centipede shape with sharp-edged, widely-spaced legs. The Maya, familiar with the giant form of the species that can grow to a foot long, seem to have believed that the sun's rays could be transformed into centipedes. Just as the sun passes at night into the underworld, they connected them to forces of decay, darkness, and rebirth, and they are shown in Maya art transforming into the Vision Serpent. Size: 4.1" L x 2.2" W (10.4 cm x 5.6 cm)

Knapped stones are made using percussion techniques (striking them with other stones), and the process required to get them the correct shape requires training and skill. Stones carved not as weapons, but into interesting shapes, had sacrificial and ceremonial use for the Maya, and are often found as offerings in caches inside of stone monuments and other architectural features.

Provenance: Ex-Harvey Collection, acquired prior to 1972

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#120172

Small white deposits in grooves. Overall excellent.