Description:

Native American, Midwestern United States, Indiana, St. Joseph County, Archaic Period, ca. 5000 to 1000 BCE. A well-preserved gray and black banded slate bannerstone, perhaps used as a tool for hunting. The stone has been carved to an elongated shape with rounded, blade like tips, and a perforation drilled through the center. This perforation allowed the bannerstone to be attached onto a circular piece of wood that formed part of an atlatl. It is thought that the weight gave the atlatl greater power and control. Bannerstones probably had ritualistic or symbolic power as well as functional since great care was taken in shaping and polishing this stone. Size: 4.8" L x .75" W x 1.5" H (12.2 cm x 1.9 cm x 3.8 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 up 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#162013

  • Condition: Find site and collection name written on both sides. Scratches and surface wear. Chips and losses especially on corners and peripheries. Smooth surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000