bone paint stick and flaking tool

[larson1951]

just picked up a cool bone paint stick
the stick has seven of the classic tall 'M' engravings on it
it's complete w/one end rounded and one end cut
also a well used flaking tool of some type
larson1951

[flintdigger]

That is a fantastic piece Steve , I have never seen one of those . I really like the design on it . Another great piece very interesting Steve

[GaRebel1861]

That's a great artifact. Can't say I've ever seen one because theres not a lot of bone artifacts found around here where I live. How was it believed to be used?

[naturegirl]

ditto, how was it used, and what are the M markings? that's really a nice specimen, and I'm only going on what I've seen you post Those markings are very nice!

[larson1951]

thanks
i think the paint sticks were used for painting
at least that is the info i have
now some of them were found broke and i was given instruction to put them back
and i did...but i still have some images of them if you want to see them
they all have those 'M' marks and please don't tell me that it signified 'mandan' (indian tribe or culture) which i have been told-the mandan indians did not have an alphabet like we do now
steve

[flintdigger]

You bet Steve we would love to see them.

[catherine1]

Cool bone artifact. That is a nice piece. I have yet to find a bone artifact. Thanks for the pic.

[The Grim Reaper]

Awesome Bone pieces Steve. That Paint Stick with the designs on it is very cool. Just curious though, why would you put back the broken ones? I would keep them since for one they are engraved, and for two, you might actually find both pieces and be able to put them back together.

Also, I have you a couple really cool pieces picked out if you still want to do that trade for some Game Pieces. Just let me know and I'll send them your way.

[larson1951]

naturegirl,
here are a few more thingys w/the same type of 'M' markings

[flintdigger]

Those are very interesting Steve. The bird head is a great piece.

[naturegirl]

Maybe just a pleasing graphic? I'm sure it meant something, who ever engraved those made them almost precisly the same, must have been an important symbol, mark, what ever the proper word is. Maybe a tribal brand

I think you said something a year ago about leaving the broken ones? something to do with religious sensitivity? I'm prolly mixing up stories, and too bad the artifacts don't come with initials carved on them huh?

Thanks for those pictures steve! those marks are just fascinating to see so closely!!

lisa

[larson1951]

yes lisa it was something to do with that
thanks
steve

[flintdigger]

Steve, That bone paint stick is a very interesting artifact . Do you have any idea about the age of it . It look's like it is in really nice condition . That is really a great piece .

[larson1951]

thanks tommy
i think it is between 500 -2500 yrs old which is not very specific but this site has been occupied even back in the pelican lake prieon all the way up to maybethe year of 1650 give or take
now below i have posted another piece of one that i found about two months or so ago
check it out
it has the classic 'M' markings and also do you see the other marking?
it is just as popular as the 'M' markings only it is a staff with the big feathers attached
now you can see the staff of big feathers on the bottom of the img.2456
and also through the center row img.3602 on (left to right) first, second, fourth, and fifth pieces
know what i mean?
steve

[flintdigger]

Yes I see what you are talking about. Steve those are fantastic pieces. Very interesting designs. Really great pieces.