Who created "Ceremonial Blades"?

Ceremonial Blades was created by Colima in c. 100 CE.

When was "Ceremonial Blades" created?

This artwork was created c. 100 CE.

What medium is "Ceremonial Blades"?

Ceremonial Blades is Red obsidian.

Is "Ceremonial Blades" in the public domain?

Yes, Ceremonial Blades is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Ceremonial Blades

Colima

c. 100 CE

Medium

Red obsidian

Dimensions

Each approx. l: H.: 15.2 cm (6 in.)

Classification

blade (stone tool)

Department

Arts of the Americas

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Accession Number

185166

Art Historical Context

These striking **Ceremonial Blades** the Colima culture of ancient West Mexico, dating to around 100 CE, exemplify the masterful stoneworking of pre-Columbian artisans. Crafted from vibrant red obsidian—a rare and highly prized volcanic glass—the blades measure about 15.2 cm (6 in.) in length. Their razor-sharp edges, achieved through expert pressure-flaking techniques, reveal the precision of Mesoamerican lithic technology, where obsidian was knapped into tools far superior to metal blades in sharpness. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of the Americas department and classified a...

Ceremonial Blades

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