Didn't he do well?

A good friend of mine, started dabbling in flint and stone knapping about a year ago. The Suffolk area is full of large flints and as he doesn't drive, I offered to keep an eye out for him. As it turned out, Suffolk flint is only good for facing work, like Churches and houses and from all the material I gave him, he was only able to make this. He gave it too me as a thankyou.

A year on and he now buys stones from the US. I see him regularly and he shows me knives, arrowheads and more ornamental things he's been knapping and they are beautiful. He came to mine the other day with some bubble wrap in his hand and gave it to me. I opened it while he explained it was a copy of a Mayan ceremonial Centipede blade. Its made from Obsidian (volcanic glass) and I'm chuffed to bits with it.

I only have one word here.. WOW!

Thats exactly what I said Storm.

very impressive!!

Your friend has developed an incredible skill and must have some patience and a big generous heart to be giving those away!

You are very fortunate to have a friend like him Will. The piece looks very exquisite and worth a lot to be given away. Lucky you!

regards,
jun

that really is beautiful, your friend has got some skills there. wouldn't want to have been on the receiving end of that in the mayan ceremony though!

From what I gather the Centipede was admired as a creature that ventured above and below ground. From one world to another. I very much doubt a tool like this was ever used for sacrifice as it was too onamental, artistic and impractical.

That is truly amazing. I can't even begin to understand how he managed such delicate and consistent "teeth". Wow indeed.

Will, your friend was born to knapp stone. Working at it for a year, and already his work is at a master level. Many knappers work their whole life and are not able to create pieces like the Mayan Centipede. WOWWWWW!!!!
Thank you for sharing your treasures.
Best,
Todd

did he say how long it took him to make it? it looks like it needs a lot of patience.

Not sure he could tell me how long it took as he works in seveal pieces at a time.