bannerstones

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Scope note
Carved stones that have been found at ancient and more recent North American sites. They were apparently often part of an atlatl, or spear-thrower; it is believed that a bannerstone was tied to the center of thin, willowy atlatl shafts, thus increasing the spear-thrower's flexibility and causing an efficient, whip-like action. Bannerstones were often carefully carved of decorative stone, and were probably considered sumptuary implements and symbols of status. Some bannerstones seem to have been mounted on staffs or poles to serve primarily as symbols of rank.
bannerstones
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024