Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 100:
Museum Grade Pre-Columbian Ceremonial Blade, 2000 to 4000 Years Old
9 1/8 in Pre-Columbian ceremonial blade made from high-quality mottled chert in dusty lavender to smoky brown tones. This impressive blade measures approximately 9 1/8 inches in length, close to 2 1/2 inches in width, and just under 1/2 inch in thickness. It is crafted from a fine mottled chert known for its dusty lavender to smoky brown coloration, with natural internal clouding and subtle banding. This material is characteristic of the high-grade cherts used in long ceremonial blades produced across parts of ancient North America and Mesoamerica.
The workmanship is exceptional. Both faces exhibit long, controlled percussion thinning scars, producing a thin, well-balanced cross section. The edges have been carefully pressure refined, giving the blade a crisp, symmetrical outline. The surface shows consistent ancient patination that follows every flake scar, confirming long-term burial and authentic age.
The symmetry, refinement, and size strongly indicate that this was a ceremonial or prestige blade rather than a utilitarian cutting tool. Blades of this form were often used as offerings, ritual objects, or high-status items, and this example stands out for its size, material quality, and overall craftsmanship.
Provenance: Ex Rob Carter Collection. Ex Jim Davis Collection. Davis is a well-known lifelong collector of flint blades and arrowheads, highly respected in upper-tier artifact circles. Now in his 90s, Davis has dispersed much of his collection in recent years, and this blade was one of the more prized pieces he retained for decades.
Authentication: This artifact is an authentic Pre-Columbian ceremonial blade, exhibiting proper ancient patination, bifacial thinning, and refined workmanship consistent with blades dating to approximately 2000 to 4000 years ago. There is no evidence of modern reworking or enhancement. Based on its form, material, age characteristics, and provenance through the Davis and Carter collections, this is a high-quality, unquestionably authentic ceremonial blade.
Collector Note: Collectors of Pre-Columbian lithics will recognize the quality of this piece. Long ceremonial blades with this level of symmetry, refinement, and well-developed patination are not common on the open market. The workmanship and overall form place it among the better-preserved examples of ancient biface craftsmanship from the Late Archaic through Early Classic periods.
Condition: Authentic
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