Title: Large Ceremonial Eccentric Knife Stone Flint Mexico Mid-2nd Century
Shipping: $29.00
Artist: N/A
Period: N/A
History: N/A
Origin: North America > Mexico
Condition: Excellent
Item Date: N/A
Item ID: 1438
Large Ceremonial Eccentric Flint, Mexico, Mid-2nd Century. A fine example showcasing exceptional flint knapping. Completely intact and original. Measures 10.75 x 2 inches. In ancient Mexico, stone—especially flint—played a crucial role in both daily life and ceremonial practices. Skilled artisans used a technique called flint knapping to shape sharp-edged tools and symbolic objects from this hard, brittle stone. Flint was prized not only for its functionality in tools and weapons but also for its spiritual significance. Highly worked and eccentric flint objects were often crafted for ritual use by the Maya, Aztec, and other Mesoamerican cultures. These elaborately shaped stones, sometimes resembling deities, serpents, or abstract forms, were placed in tombs, temples, and offerings as sacred symbols of power, protection, and divine presence.
In ancient Mexican cultures, particularly among the Maya and Aztec, stoneworking was a highly developed craft, with flint being one of the most revered materials. Flint, known for its sharpness and durability, was expertly shaped using a technique called pressure flaking, where small pieces were chipped away to create precise edges and intricate forms. Beyond its use in tools and weaponry, flint held ceremonial importance. Artisans created elaborate eccentric flints—often resembling gods, animals, or cosmic symbols—for ritual offerings and religious ceremonies. These objects reflected not only technical mastery but also deep spiritual and cosmological beliefs, linking the physical world with the divine. Flint was more than a material—it was a sacred medium used to express power, protection, and cultural identity.
