Late Archaic Native American Bannerstone - Kentucky

拍品描述

Native American, Late Archaic, ca. 3000–1000 BCE. A compact bannerstone of dense, dark stone, ground into a smooth, swelling ovoid and drilled straight through the center with a clean cylindrical bore. The maker pecked and abraded the stone into shape, then polished it to a soft, even sheen, rounding the ends into gentle shoulders around the perforation. Bannerstones are among the most recognizable ground-stone forms of the Archaic Eastern Woodlands. They are most often read as weights slid onto the shaft of an atlatl, or spear-thrower, though some scholars argue they served as spindle weights, status objects, or ceremonial pieces. This example is a sturdy, plain, barrel-like form rather than one of the dramatic winged types, and it shows the patient lapidary work that went into even everyday Archaic stone objects. Size: 1.5" H x 2.1" W x 0.9" D (3.8 cm H x 5.3 cm W x 2.3 cm D). Drilling a bannerstone was slow work. Archaic craftspeople probably used a hollow cane or a solid stick spun with sand and water as an abrasive, and grinding a single bore could take many hours. Unfinished examples found across the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys show a central core left standing inside a partly drilled hole, which is clear evidence that hollow drills were used. The bannerstone's purpose is still one of the long-running debates of North American archaeology. Specimens found lying along decayed atlatl shafts in Kentucky shell-midden burials, such as those at Indian Knoll, support the spear-thrower theory. Other researchers argue the weight did little for a throw and see these stones as social or ritual objects instead. The western Kentucky and Tennessee River region, where this example is recorded as found, was a major center of Late Archaic bannerstone production. SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item #199464

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