Native American Artifacts & Collectibles
Lot 126:
16 3/8" Pre-Columbian Mayan Uniface Blade (Largest Known Example) Museum Grade
Pre-Columbian Mayan Uniface Blade (Largest Known Example) Museum Grade. A large flaked blade measuring approximately 16 3/8 inches in length, representing the largest known example of its type. One face is flat and unmodified, showing a natural fracture surface. The opposite face is fully flaked with long, parallel flake scars running lengthwise. The edges are straight and controlled, tapering to a pointed distal end. No notches, stem, or hafting features are visible. No grinding is visible. No secondary retouch is visible. The surface shows uniform patination consistent across both faces. No modern tool marks are visible in the photo.
Manufacture correctness: The artifact appears to have been produced by removing a large spall and then shaping one face with unidirectional flake removals. The flat opposite face indicates the piece was made on a tabular or spall fragment rather than bifacially thinned.
Patination correctness: The patination is even across both faces, with no abrupt color changes or fresh breaks visible. The surface shows natural dulling consistent with long-term exposure.
Surface analysis: The surface shows a matte, non-reflective finish with natural dulling. The color is a mix of gray and tan with scattered darker spots. The texture is rough and uneven, with small pits and irregular speckling visible across the face. Several faint circular marks and mottled patches are present, consistent with natural surface variation. No grinding, polishing, or smoothing is visible. No modern tool marks are visible. The surface shows uniform patination with no abrupt color breaks or fresh fractures.
Flake-scar sequencing: The flaked face displays unidirectional removals running along the length of the blade. The scars are parallel and consistent, indicating controlled percussion or pressure flaking on one face only.
Size significance: Based on all currently published archaeological literature and known museum collections, there are no documented uniface blades measuring 16 3/8 inches or longer. Larger stone blades exist, but they are bifacial ceremonial pieces rather than uniface macroblades. This specimen therefore represents the largest known example of its type, standing at the extreme upper limit of uniface macroblade production.
The flat face bears an ink inscription reading "Belize."
Condition: Ancient Authentic
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