Native American, Southern United States, Missouri, Cole County, Archaic Period, ca. 5000 to 1000 BCE. A fine example of a bannerstone hand-carved and drilled from a nice red clay stone. This bannerstone represents the "humped" type as defined by archeologist Byron Knoblock in his research of bannerstones. The thick center is laterally drilled through to both ends. Bannerstones of various sizes with elongated and even bowtie or butterfly shapes, have been found across the eastern part of North America, but their use is not fully understood. They may have served as tools to aid in hunting and/or may have served a symbolic function. This one is highly polished and great care is evident in shaping this piece. Size: 1.25" L x 0.8" W x 2.25" H (3.2 cm x 2 cm x 5.7 cm)

Bannerstones remain an archaeological mystery. For many years, inspired by research done by a former physicist, archaeologists believed that bannerstones were used as weights to give atlatls greater power and control. Later experimental archaeology proved that this was not true - but did open the possibility that the bannerstone helped with fatigue when holding an atlatl still, while stalking skittish prey like deer. However, their elaborate designs, and some examples that are too large to have ever been useful, suggest that they also had a ritualistic purpose.

Provenance: private Kansas City, Missouri, USA collection; ex-John Townsend collection, formed in the 1970s and earlier

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#162011

Find site written on surface. Chips and nicks to faces around opening and peripheries. Surface wear and scratches as expected with age and use. Polished with smooth surface.