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Engraved slate effigy pendant
Mesoamerican
Sculpted stone head
Mesoamerican; Vera Cruz
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Large chipped obsidian spike / Mesoamerican

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Essay/Description

Obsidian spikes such as this one may have been used in blood-letting rituals that were part of Mesoamerican religion. Kings, priests, warriors and other high status individuals sacrificed thier own blood as well as the blood of others.

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©Gilcrease Museum
Title(s): 
Large chipped obsidian spike
Culture: 
Mesoamerican
Date: 
300 BCE - 300 CE
Period: 
Mesoamerican Prehistoric
Place: 
Valley of Mexico, México
Materials/Techniques: 
obsidian
Classification: 
Archaeological Objects
Object Type: 
Spike
Accession No: 
61.8780
Department: 
Anthropology
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