Mixtec Stone Funerary Knife - 8th to 12th Century CE | Mallone Collection

Esteemed collectors and aficionados of Mesoamerican artifacts, behold this immaculate Pre-Columbian Mixtec funerary knife, a ceremonial relic from the 7th to the 12th Century CE. Once part of the acclaimed Barney G. Malone collection, this stone masterpiece is a testament to the profound spirituality and intricate artistry of the Mixtec culture.

We are proud to present an exceptional Pre-Columbian Mixtec stone funerary knife, hailing from the zenith of the Mixtec civilization between the 7th and 12th Centuries CE. This artifact, 95mm in length and 50mm wide, weighing 33.512 grams, is a striking example of the intricate carving skills and the deep-seated funerary traditions of the Mixtec people.

The Mixtec culture, renowned for its mastery of stone work, often used such knives in burial ceremonies to accompany nobility in the afterlife. The detailed carving of a human face on this knife is not merely decorative; it likely represents a deity or an ancestral figure, imbuing the object with spiritual significance.

This piece's artistry is accentuated by the variegated stone, which may have been sourced from the region's rich mineral deposits, known for their diverse and vibrant stones. Its excellent condition, coupled with a copy of the provenance from Barney G. Malone's private collection—verified by his signed documentation in 2017—elevates its value significantly.