stone artifacts of North America

The ancient North American art features finely crafted stone objects. The Bannerstone, widely found in the east of the Mississippi River, was made as a weight for atlatls (spear-throwers). It has a central hole for a shaft. The symmetrical shape, removing deflections in throwing, is so beautiful. The striations of the slate also make it stand out.

The Adena and Hopewell cultures developed stone pipes, many of which have figures of humans and animals. Especially, the Hopewell pipes amazes us with elaborate animal sculptures such as beavers, birds, bears, and coyotes. You can fill the pipe with tobacco through back of the animal. It gives out smoke through a hole in the slab.

The Hohokam culture, which arose around present-day Arizona, is known for its impressive stonework. Its craftsmanship covers stone bowls with figures as well as stone plates with relief carvings. The illustrated piece shows a sculpted man holding the stone vessel.

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