Huge Maya Round Chert Eccentric

Pre-Columbian, Mexico and northern Central America, Maya Territories, Late Classic, ca. 550 to 900 CE. A huge round "eccentric", hand-knapped from a massive piece of cream-colored chert, its surface weathered and colored with ancient deposits. The form is cog-like to the modern eye, round with twelve large "teeth" of varying size around its edges. The interior has been drilled through to form a large, round hole. Stones carved not as weapons, but as interesting designs, had sacrificial and ceremonial use for the Maya, and are often found as offerings in caches inside of stone monuments and other architectural features. They are most common in the eastern part of the Maya world, often in the Peten department of Guatemala. They were made by specialists in workshops. Size: 11.45" W x 10.5" H (29.1 cm x 26.7 cm)

Provenance: ex-private F. Ritter collection, Collinsville, Illinois, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#145000 Dimensions: Condition Report: Intact, with fantastic deposits on surface. Eroded mark, probably the result of exposure to running water over a lengthy period, is clearly visible on the lower center of the piece.