COLLECTION NAME:
Maya Art and Architecture
Record
Filename:
Maya_eccentric.jpg
Creator:
Unknown
Style or Period:
Mayan classic period
City or Region:
Peten Basin
Site:
Tikal
Country:
Guatemala
Subject:
Obsidian
Subject:
Mayan religion
Description:
An eccentric flint is an elite chipped artifact of an often irregular ('eccentric') shape produced by the Classic Maya civilization of ancient Mesoamerica. Eccentric flints are among the finest lithic artifacts produced by the ancient Maya. They were technically very challenging to produce, requiring considerable skill on the part of the artisan. Large obsidian eccentrics can measure over 30 centimetres (12 in) in length. Their actual form varies considerably but they generally depict human, animal and geometric forms associated with Maya religion.
