Eccentric Flint
Artist/Maker
Maya (archaeological culture)
(Mesoamerica)
Dateca. 600-900
Mediumflint
DimensionsOverall: 6 x 7 x 5/8 in. (15.2 x 17.8 x 1.6 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineMuseum purchase through 35th Anniversary Funds
Terms
Object number85.0078
DescriptionThree faces or profiles can be seen in this exceptional example of flint knapping. Master artisans crafted objects such as these, called eccentrics because each one is unique, from chert and flint found in the Maya Mountains. These objects were mounted on a wooden staff and carried in royal processions; they were never meant to be used like other flint tools such as projectile points. Later they were deposited in royal tombs and caches.On View
Not on viewCollections