72 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



centuries ago, is certainly strengthened by these relics. At that 

 time the interior of New York had no settled inhabitants, and the 

 New England seaboard does not seem to have been reached by the 

 Algonquins. 



BANNER STONES 



Dr. Abbott classed certain perforated ' relics as banner stones or 

 ornamental stones, either used in the decoration of weapons or for 

 suspension from the body, after the manner of breastplates.' He 

 adds, ' Whatever may have been the manner of exhibiting such 

 stone ornaments it is impossible to determine, but the fortunate 

 possessor of such a specimen might well be proud of it. May it not 

 be that such stones were the charms of the medicine men? Stones 

 that were concealed from the general gaze of the crowd, and only 

 brought to view with elaborate coverings on great occasions. They 

 do not seem sufficiently abundant to be simply the ornaments of 

 chiefs and warriors'. 



All archaeologists nearly have conceded that they were not in- 

 tended for mere use, and an effort has been made to call them cere- 

 monial objects. The good sense of the public is likely to prevail 

 in retaining Dr. Abbott's name. They are peculiar to America, 

 and are of early date although surface finds. They were unknown 

 to the Iroquois, nor has their use been perpetuated by the later 

 Indians; but they are much more abundant than Dr. Abbott sup- 

 posed. 



Mr. Fowke's treatment of banner stones is somewhat confused, 

 but he sensibly retains Dr. Abbott's name, so much more definite 

 than that of ceremonial objects. That they were suspended as orna- 

 ments for the body, however, seems in no way probable, while the 

 central perforation gives force to the idea that they were placed 

 on slender poles for badges of authority or use in ceremonies. At 

 the same time they so commonly accompanied the owner on long 

 journeys, that they may have had some superstitious use. They 

 occur mostly east of the Mississippi or in its drainage. 



They were not all drilled alike. Some New York specimens, un- 

 finished, show a pointed spiral hole, such as might have been made 

 by a flint drill. Others have a central core remaining, showing 



