Bone Carvings 



159 



the back of the neck. Fig. 61 is a bird's head, quite raven-like in 

 character. It probably formed part of a hollow object, the rest of which 

 was destroyed by the fire. A pearl had been inserted in the eye-socket. 

 Fig. 62 shows three examples of bone carving; a is made from the 

 femur of some large animal, and was probably the handle of a ceremonial 



Fig. 57. 

 Imitation Bear's Tooth in Wood Covered with Copper from Skeleton 177. 



implement. The surface has been scraped, and the joint cut in the form 

 illustrated. The interesting feature is that a thin strip of meteoric iron 

 was placed across the end, and a band or ferrule of the same material 

 fastened around and riveted. A portion of the iron which still adheres 

 is shown in the drawing. Fig. 62 b is a fragment of a delicately incised 

 bone object of unknown use, while c is the end of a well-polished object. 



Fig. 58. 

 Imitation Bear's Tooth Carved from Antler from Skeleton 278. 



Fig. 63 a represents a bird whose species cannot be identified. It is 

 one of the most spirited designs found. Fig. 63 b shows the complete 

 design of the same object. Fig. 64 is a carving of an ocelot of which 

 Willoughby says, "This carving, only a portion of which could be found, 

 is beautifully executed upon what appears to be human bone. The 



