Gilcrease Museum is temporarily closed for construction.

Get the Full Story

Large chipped obsidian spike / Mesoamerican

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.

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: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
61.8780
Department: 
Not On View

Our Online Collections site is a work in progress. If you have information about this item that may be of assistance, please contact us.