On this page we offer modern made art pieces inspired by the archaeological record. Most items are one of a kind hand crafted items that are signed by the artist. Whenever possible, the same materials are used as the originals that inspired the modern replica. Without the limitations of strict replicating, art allows ceremonial items to be functional, and every day items from history to be turned into works of art. In every case, this kind of art allows those with a passion for archaeology to bring it into the home in a more tangible way.
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NEW REPLICA!
New in the Meso American series, one of the scariest looking weapons of history, the Aztec Obsidian Sword. (SEE ITEM)
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| The "Floating Horse" of Lascaux |
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The caves of Lascaux, France were painted by the artists of the Magdalenian archaeological period(around 17,000 years ago). It is possibly the greatest display of Paleolithic art in the world. This scene is taken from a section called the "Hall of the Bulls" and the subjects are Auroch 13 and the "Floating Horse". Beneath these can be seen the antlers of smaller stags. It is seen in this shot from the vantage point of a person holding a torch or lamp light.
This piece of fine art is printed on thick archival acid-free paper, using the Giclee printing process, which gives museum quality detail and exceptional color. This is NOT a poster. This print comes unframed, and the dimensions of the paper are 11 by 14 inches, and the image size is 10 by 13 inches. (see ITEMS FOR SALE page)
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THE LICKING BISON OF LA MADELEINE $25
This replica depicts one of the finest carvings in Ice Age art. The original was from the archaeology site of La Madeleine, in the Dordogne region of France. It is from the Magdalenian period of around 12 to 17,000 years ago. It was believed to be a fragment of a spear thrower that was made of reindeer antler. This piece has been a favorite of atlatl enthusiasts and art students as well, since the carving shows some advancements in Paleolithic art. A wonderful perspective is shown here by the turned head with one horn in bold relief, and the other carved in. It is usually seen as a bison turning to lick an insect bite on its back side. This piece measures about 4 and a quarter inches, made in modern high strength epoxy.(SEE ITEM)
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| The "Licking Bison" of La Madeleine, France |
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THE CREEPING HYENA OF LA MADELEINE $25
The first spear throwers known to Archaeology are found in the caves of Upper Paleolithic Europe. This epoxy cast/replica is of the cave hyena atlatl spur from La Madeleine Rock Shelter in France. The original was made of mammoth ivory and dates from the Magdalenian period(around 12 to 17,000 years ago). It is thought that the remaining antler and ivory spurs were attached to handles of wood that have long since degraded away.
(SEE ITEM)
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| The "Creeping Hyena" of La Madeleine |
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Our paleolithic anscestors explored caves with the aid of fat burning stone lamps. This replica is of the most elaborate known in the Upper Paleolithic(around 17,000). The original was found at the end of the cave of Lascaux in France.
(see Primitive Technology)
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| AZTEC MACUAHUITL OBSIDIAN SWORD $195
Our new replica showcases one of the meanest looking weapons in history, the Macuahuitl. Developed in Pre-Columbian Meso America, it reached its height of use during the time of the Spanish Conquest in the Aztec Empire. By fitting razor sharp Obsidian(volcanic glass) flakes into a wooden club, they created an Obsidian Sword sharper than steel. Our replica is based on drawings from the Spanish texts, mostly the Codex Mendoza from the 1500's. (SEE ITEM)
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One of the greatest gifts from the Aztecs was the spear thrower guilded with gold. In this replica, shell finger loops and Rosewood were used, (sorry, no real gold). Several of these were sent back to Charles V in Europe, and the original copied here is currently in the British Museum. Our testing of this model showed that it also possibly could have been a functional atlatl as well, but a study of Aztec art and civilization shows that atlatls were often used as symbols of authority as scepters as well. This replica is 20 inches long and threw a spear well in testing.
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| Back of atlatl showing the "Feathered Serpent with Spear" design |
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| The Atlatl shown as a symbol of power in Aztec Art |
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| This new art drawing showcases the use of the atlatl in Meso American art. This scene from the Codex Nuttall was drawn before the Spanish conquest(around 1519) and depicts the warrior-king 8 Deer of the Mixtec culture(predecessor to the Aztec empire). The atlatl was seen not only as a weapon, but a scepter of power. (see ITEMS FOR SALE)
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This modern art print was inspired by a 1500's screenfold manuscript from the Aztec Empire. The figure depicted is seen in the Codex Borbonicus, which now resides in the Bibliotheque de L'Assemble in Paris, France. It was collected at the time of Spanish conquest and was translated as "God of the Obsidian Knife". This figure was redrawn by artist Michael R. Frank in order to take out the Spanish translation mark and show it more how it was seen originally. It is now printed in Koday Premium Royal Matte Finish Professional, and measures 8" X 10" .
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| The "Obsidian Knife Being" |
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