Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Cast of c. 1485-1780 Obsidian Preform, 2019 |
Object Name |
Replica |
Description |
Cast of c. 1485-1780 Obsidian Preform, 2019. Resin replica cast of an obsidian preform. Black glossy spearhead form with conchoidal fractures throughout. Placed in burial to denote wealth. |
Date |
2019 |
Creator |
Basin Research Associates |
Role |
Sculptor |
Catalog Number |
2020.003.001 |
Dimensions |
H-3.75 W-1 D-0.25 inches |
Collection |
3D - Documentary Objects |
Inscription Text |
n/a |
Provenance |
Replica cast of obsidian preform recovered from Sanchez Adobe historic site in Pacifica, CA; original artifact was collected by biological anthropologist and archaeologist Christopher Canzonieri, M.A., RPA. (site: CA-SMA-71/H; B15; Recorder: MET; Date: 12/6/2018) |
Notes |
"Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock…Obsidian is hard, brittle, and amorphous; it therefore fractures with sharp edges. In the past, it was used to manufacture cutting and piercing tools, and it has been used experimentally as surgical scalpel blades" [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian 02/03/2020] "One of the most important hunting tools used by the Ohlone was the bow and arrow. These were usually 3 to 4 1/2 feet long. The Ohlone would attach sinew to a bow made of wood while it was wet to use as a string. That made the bow very effective and easy to draw. They would use arrows with points made of lava rock or obsidian." [https://www.californiafrontier.net/ohlone-tribe-culture/#Ohlone_Tools_and_Crafts 02/03/2020] |
Search Terms |
Native Americans Natural History Ohlone Tools |
Subjects |
Geology Native Americans Nature Stone cutting |
People |
Canzonieri, Christopher |
Credit line |
SMCHA Collection |