296 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



The antler objects from the site? include flaking tools, punchlike 

 implements, sometimes called pitching tools, chisellike implements, 

 picklike prongs of antler, arrowheads, hoes or digging implements 

 and one antler ball. There were several pieces of antler showing 

 marks of cutting and other working. The large trowellike object 

 shown in plate 99, figure i, is probably an antler hoe or spade. The 

 edge is worn and smoothed, evidently by use in the earth. Two 

 other hoes are shown in the same plate (figure 5, 10). The larger 

 hoe seems to have had one side cut as if by a metal knife. The 

 '' hoes " are all of moose horn. A small chisellike implement is 

 shown in plate 95, figure 2. It is worn and polished and the cutting 

 edge is sharp for such material. A larger chisel or pick is show^n in 

 plate 99, figure 4, and seems to have the handle whittled into shape 

 by a metal knife. Punchlike objects were fairly common and seem 

 to have been parts of an arrow-maker's outfit. Indeed they are com- 

 monly called " pitching tools " and experiment shows that they are 

 useful in making the long body chips which must sometimes be 

 made to form a flint blade properly. These tools are of two types. 

 Plate 99, figure 9, shows one which has a head. Two antler arrow- 

 heads were found. Plate 99, figure 8, represents the better one. 

 It is well shaped and polished but the hole for the shaft is not deep. 

 One flattened ball was found and is similar to the game balls used 

 now by the Iroquois and called " deer horn buttons " (see plate 99, 

 figure 6). Chunks or pieces of worked antler were frequent. One 

 shown in figure 7, is that of an antler base from which the upper 

 part has been cut with a metal knife. 



Shell Articles 



Among the interesting classes of articles are those of shell. The 

 very interesting necklace of shell shown in plate 100 is the best 

 specimen of its art found at the Ripley site. It came from 

 grave 93, pit 133, and was found about the neck of the skeleton. 

 The better preserved gorget was found in the bend formed by the 

 curve of the front portion of the lower jaw. The necklace is made 

 of discoldal shell beads beautifully made. They are quite uniform 

 ond the perforations are perfectly centered. In specimens which 

 have not weathered, the edges are even. The two gorgets and the 

 long pendant from this necklace are shown in plate lOi, as is a series 



