Description:

Native American, Eastern United States, Eastern Woodland, Archaic Period, ca. 5000 to 1000 BCE. A great example of a hand-carved bannerstone made from a pretty, banded slate. This bannerstone exhibits a prismatic shape with a thick cross section that is hand drilled through the center for suspension. The slate has pretty coloration of beige, gray, and black veining, which is polished with a smooth surface, especially around the perforations. Size: 2.25" L x 1" W x 2.8" H (5.7 cm x 2.5 cm x 7.1 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 such as deer.

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

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161928

  • Condition: Repaired from two large pieces. Visible break line across both faces. Chips and loss to along break lines near drilled opening. Chips and nicks to wings and age and use expected surface scratches.

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March 3, 2022 8:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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