Maya Eccentric Chert Perforated Ring with Serrated Rim

Pre-Columbian, Guatemala, Maya, ca. 600–900 CE. An eccentric of knapped chert, shaped as an open ring with a wide central perforation. Its outer edge is worked into a crown of small, regular teeth, broken by a deeper notch that gives the outline a lopsided, almost living profile. The stone is milky white to pale gray, with smoky blue-black veins sweeping across one side and translucent edges where the flaking thins the material. Making a perforated form like this meant removing stone from the center as well as the edge, and the knapper could not undo a single misjudged blow. Eccentrics were made as non-utilitarian objects and are usually found in dedicatory caches and elite burials, so this piece was likely an offering. The ring shape may refer to a mace head, a form known within the eccentric repertoire, though that reading is not certain. Size: 3.5" L x 3.25" W (8.9 cm L x 8.3 cm W); riker case: 5.75" H x 4.5" W x 0.75" D (14.6 cm H x 11.4 cm W x 1.9 cm D). The Maya prized flint and chert well beyond their practical use. Early Mesoamericans learned that the stone could strike sparks, and they linked it to lightning. Some believed flint formed where lightning struck the earth. The association lasted: K'awiil, the lightning deity tied to royal power, is one of the figures most often shown in eccentric form, sometimes in obsidian brought in through long-distance trade. During the Late Classic period, specialist workshops made eccentrics of great thinness and complexity: scorpions, serpents, centipedes, human profiles, and abstract or weapon-like shapes. Archaeologists find them most often in groups, buried as caches beneath stelae or placed in elite tombs. Some have a tang, which suggests they were mounted on a staff or scepter. They are usually recovered unworn, with edges too fragile for cutting, which supports the view that they were made for ceremonial display and offering rather than use. Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-estate of Dr. Adolfo Gonzalez, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired 1985 to 2005 SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item # 205748

Condition
A few minor chips and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nicely preserved form. Old collection number inscribed on one side. Accompanied by custom display case.