COLUMBIAN HISTORICAL EXPOSITION AT MADRID. 



113 



Bird-shaped objects (fig. 30). A class of objects, bird-like iu form, but passing grad 

 ually into other conventionalized forms. They generally stand on flat bases and 

 are pierced with a diagonal hole at either end. In some cases the eyes are not rep 

 resented: in others they are marked by bead-like protuberances expanding into 

 disks. Some specimens were not intended to represent either birds or animals, 

 but are in the form of a bar with both ends alike. Various theories of their use 

 have been advanced as knife handles, corn huskers, etc., but none are satisfac 

 tory. They may have served for gaming. The material is usually banded or 

 striped slate, though hard stones were employed. Five specimens. 



Fig. 31. 

 PIERCED OR DRILLED TABLETS. 



127 slate Vew 

 3l:ite, Tennessee. 



,ped 



Drilled tablets (fig. 31) are Hat, thin pieces made of striped, or banded slate, or chlo 

 rite. They have one or two holes drilled, some from both sides others from only 

 one. The edges of the holes are many times worn by cord or sinew but are fre 

 quently sharp and without signs of wear. They are found in mounds or graves 

 on the breasts and arms of skeletons. They may have served as badges, orna 

 ments, or charms. Ten specimens. 



Discoidal stones (fig. 32) are always round in outline ; the sides may be convex, flat, or 

 concave. In some specimens the concavity has been deepened until the cup became 



H. Ex. 100 8 



