NEW YORK — Thousands of years ago, after the last glacial period ended, the Native Americans of North America carved stones for tools, weapons and also as artful objects. Chief among the Archaic period (circa 4000-1000 BCE) objects whose original function has been lost to history are porphyry birdstones. Highly polished and sculptural, they gained the name “birdstones” because they resemble birds, though some can look more like dogs or lizards. The most striking and desirable examples are made from porphyry, an igneous rock with a pattern of light-colored coarse crystals that looks almost like splotches. These splotches, which are often cream-colored, are known as phenocrysts. The contrast between these phenocrysts and the dark backdrop rocks, which often have a blueish to purple tone, adds to a birdstone’s appeal.

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