Colima Dark Green Obsidian Axe

Pre-Columbian Era, Protoclassic period, c. 100 BC–250 AD, Colima, Western Mexico

This extraordinary and sizable obsidian axe, crafted during the Protoclassic period, exemplifies the technical skill and cultural significance of ancient Mesoamerican artisans. Fashioned from a deep, forest-green obsidian with delicate golden hues, the axe features a distinctive elongated, spade-shaped form with lightly convex faces, sharpened edges, and a wide tail that culminates in a broad point. Its narrow tip, though slightly worn, hints at the sharp precision and utility that characterized such tools.

Obsidian, known as iztli to the ancient Mesoamericans, held both practical and sacred value. This volcanic glass was revered for its sharpness and polished beauty, traits that made it essential for ceremonial, ritual, and utilitarian purposes. Tools like this axe were secured to wooden poles or handles using leather or textile bindings, serving as versatile implements for cutting, carving, or agricultural tasks. 

The Colima, like many other Mesoamerican cultures, also used obsidian in rituals, including bloodletting and human sacrifice, emphasizing its spiritual potency. The difficulty of obtaining obsidian, sourced from volcanic regions in the Sierra Madre of Mexico and Guatemala, added to its value. Traded across vast distances, raw obsidian was shaped using deer antlers or small hammer stones, resulting in tools and ritual objects of remarkable craftsmanship. The rich green hue of this piece further underscores its prestige, as such high-quality obsidian was especially prized. In Colima culture, obsidian artifacts like this axe were often interred in shaft tombs, reflecting their significance in both life and death. These subterranean tombs, located beneath residences, served as burial chambers for ancestors and were lavishly filled with offerings, including ceramic figures, vessels, and precious materials like jade and obsidian. This exceptional axe not only demonstrates the technical mastery of its maker but also offers insight into the complex spiritual and material culture of the Colima people.

Very fine condition. Intact. Age-related wear, nicks and minor chip to peripheries. Knapped peripheral edges are still very sharp. Size approx. 16,0cm x 6,5cm x 2,0cm.

Provenance: private collection from Finland