Birdstone   Save
George W. Gossard Collection
Description: Birdstone made from banded slate is in the shape of a stylized bird. Base is ground flat with two holes drilled diagonally through each corner, presumably for attachment to some other surface. The bird effigy has an elongated neck with a short, stubby triangular head. The underside of the head is flat. The tail curves up from the body and narrows towards the end. It is very dark gray with gray bands. Although the function of birdstones is unknown, they might have served as highly-decorative spearthrower weights. Item was found in Hardin County, Ohio. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL07277
Subjects: Ohio History--Natural and Native Ohio; Birdstones; Archaeology; Glacial Kame Culture (8000-800 B.C.)
Places: Hardin County (Ohio); Madison County (Ohio)