Lot 17
North America, Native American, Mississippian culture, Kentucky, Lyon County, ca. 800 to 1600 CE. A quietly powerful object shaped by patient hands and long use, this Mississippian bannerstone from Lyon County, Kentucky embodies the balance between function, symbolism, and refined stoneworking that defines Mississippian material culture. Carved from a dense, dark stone and carefully ground to a smooth, gently faceted form, the bannerstone presents a compact, asymmetrical profile with softened edges and a subtly rounded base. A drilled perforation at the top is precisely executed, its interior walls worn smooth through repeated use, suggesting long attachment to a shaft or cord. Bannerstones are widely understood as components of atlatls, serving as counterweights to improve balance and throwing efficiency. Beyond their practical role, they are also thought to have carried social or symbolic meaning, functioning as markers of skill, status, or group identity within Mississippian communities. Size: 2.2" L x 1.1" W x 1.6" H (5.6 cm x 2.8 cm x 4.1 cm)
The deliberate shaping and pleasing proportions of this example suggest it was valued not only as a tool but as an object of visual and tactile presence. The surface bears a natural mottling and mineral variation acquired over centuries, lending the stone a quiet depth and earthy richness. Its form is restrained yet intentional, the kind of object that rewards close looking and handling rather than display alone. Recovered from Lyon County, an area associated with significant Mississippian activity along major river systems, this bannerstone offers a tangible connection to the technological ingenuity and cultural traditions of the Mississippian world. Grounded in utility yet elevated by craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to the enduring dialogue between human intention and stone.
Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection; ex-Bill Heuter
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#199455
- Condition: Light surface wear, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with smooth surfaces. Inscribed with findspot and old collection number on one side.
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| 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 |