4.16 Birdstone Uses

4.16 Birdstone Uses

The function of birdstones is a matter of much debate, especially since there are no known parallels in historic American Indian cultures. Close study of individual birdstones may provide some clues. Clearly, special efforts went into forming them and drilling the tiny holes that nearly always pierce both ends of the base. Often the margins of these holes show wear caused by cords of some sort, implying that the objects were tied tightly to something. It appears that birdstones remained important even if they had been broken; some of them were mended and the broken edges of others were carefully smoothed.

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