Picking the right consultant is a difficult task especially when dealing with unique and valuable prehistoric artifacts and objects of art. You want an individual who has experience, knowledge, and, of course, whose integrity is above reproach.
I have the background and knowledge to help you determine the composition of your collection of prehistoric artifacts and objects of art. This site will provide in-depth information about my background and describe the different services I offer. I have extensive experience identifying artifacts made out of different types of greenstone (jadeite, omphacite, kosmochlor, nephrite, serpentine, metabasite, steatite, slate) and other stone types (alabaster, travertine, onyx, marble) that were shaped using the peck-and-abrade method of stone working, and objects made of materials favored by prehistoric craftsmen such as ivory, amber, and jet.
The head of Kinich Ahau is a case in point. I had the privilege of examining the greenstone artifact for the Department of Anthropology in Belmopan, Belize, in 1994. After a thorough examination, I was able to positively identify the material it was fashioned from as the feldspar albite; therefore, the head of Kinich Ahau is composed of the rock albitite. The greenstone artifact is not composed of jadeite; therefore, it is not technically a jade artifact by today's definition of jade. I am convinced that the prehistoric Maya had a classification system for lapidary materials based on physical properties, that they knew the difference between jadeite and albite, and that they knew that the head of Kinich Ahau was composed of albite. I also believe that archaeologists, art historians, and private collectors should have a precise knowledge of the composition of the artifacts and objects of art in their collections. It is my goal to help you acquire this information.
Please get in touch with me for more information or if you have specific questions about my services. I am looking forward to working with you.  |
