Product Description
When it comes to obsidian weapons, nothing in the ancient world compares to the ingenious and elaborate flaked objects made by the Mesoamerican Pre-Columbian cultures. This MUSEUM-CLASS and EXTREMELY RARE example is no exception. It is an unusual TRIHEDRAL BI-POINTED STABBING DAGGER of substantial size and completely flaked out of a large and long single piece of red mahogany obsidian! A flared handle was flaked in the center on a long tri-faced spike terminating to opposing sharp pointed blade ends. The weapon would be held in the center and equally deadly to enemies in front and behind its user, the blade swung forward and behind to stab anyone nearby from any direction. We know of no other weapon of this style and type in the ancient world, its design based on pure genius and fighting experience. It is possible this could have been used for ritual human sacrifice "fighting" where a lesser armed victim is "fought" and systematically killed in a staged combat as has been documented in multiple ancient codices. No doubt the color of obsidian chosen was meant to symbolize blood as most obsidian of the region is black.
This rare weapon is attributed here to the Western Mexico Shaft Tomb Culture but elaborate obsidian weapons are scarce in this culture and the region was later under the control of the Aztecs. It is possible this was an Aztec weapon but the material it was made from comes from this area of Mexico.
Rarity and uniqueness aside, this specimen is in PERFECT, AS-MADE form with no modern damage. Both tips are intact and sharp with stunning flaking down all edges. Intact mineral deposits on all surfaces are a testament to its authenticity and unaltered form -traits only seen in authentic ancient stone weapons. Mineral and sediment can be seen deep in flake scars which are indicators ONLY found in AUTHENTIC specimens such as this. Caution must be applied in acquiring ancient obsidian artifacts because the stone does not color patinate on the surface like other lithic types. COMPLETE WITH NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION.