332 ETHNOLOGY. 



knife." The relic is so described, although tliere is no indication of a 

 blade.* 



We believe that Messrs. Squier and Davis i correctly cover the whole 

 ground concerning them, in stating that "it may reasonably be con- 

 cluded from the uniform shape of these articles, and from their appar- 

 ent unfitness as implements, as also from the wide range of their 

 occurrence, that they were invested with a conventional significance 

 as insignia, or badges of distinction, or as amulets. We know that the 

 custom of wearing certain stones as preventives of disease, or as safe- 

 guards against accidents or the malice of evil spirits, has not been con- 

 fined to one continent, or to a single age. It is not entirely obliterated 

 among certain classes of our own people. Kegal authority is still indi- 

 cated by rich baubles of gold and gems. It matters little whether the 

 index of royalty be a scepter or a simple carved and polished stone, so 

 that it is sanctioned with general recognition." 



CHA.PTER XVII. 

 BANjNER-STONES. 



The love of display that has survived the changes in human culture, 

 and which is witnessed in some civilized communities in all the glare 

 and glitter of barbarian times, was and is a marked trait in the charac- 

 ter of the American aborigines. And, although in their painting there 

 is nothing but harshness and most violent contrasts of gay colors, and 

 in their pipe-sculpture but little to commend, we nevertheless have, in 

 the series of stone relics which we have here called " banner-stones," a 

 beautiful illustration of the fact that symmetry could be obtained in 

 more complicated forms than the shapes of arrow-points; and elegance 

 of design and accuracy in details were sought and acquired by this 

 untutored race, their banner-stones being the more remarkable in that 

 they are frequently of hard stone, to fashion, carve, and polish which 

 the only tools available were those of the same material. 



The variety of forms in this class of stone ornaments is very exten- 

 sive, and so scarce are unbroken specimens that we have been unable 

 to present nnj great number of figures. Of the more common shape, 

 which may, perhaps, be considered typical of the class, we have but one 

 absolutely perfect specimen. (Figure 172.) Of the varying examples we 

 present one which is of peculiar shape — a broken specimen, "done up" 

 for duty again as an ornament. 



We have classed these relics as " banner " stones or ornamental stones, 

 either used in the decoration of weapons or for suspension from the 

 body, after the manner of breast-plates. 



Figure 172 is a beautiful example of the more usual form of banner- 

 stones, as found in Xew Jersey. In outline, finish, and perforation it is 

 faultless. Of a very fine-grained sandstone it was first carefully chipped 

 and then polished until no trace of uneven surface can be detected in it. 

 The upper or conv ex margin is accurately curved from end to end, with 



*L. c, vol. ii, pi. 45, fig. 1. tAnc. Mou. Miss. Valley, p. 239. 



