MMA 2011.154.13

119

2011.154.13

7/26/2023

Kankakee County, Illinois. As of 1939 in the Collection of Phillip C. Schupp, Chicago, Illinois. Acquired by Byron Knoblock, Quincy, Illinois. Acquired by John J. Klejman Gallery, New York, New York. Acquired by Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Gift of Ralph T. Coe Foundation of the Arts in 2011.

Greyish black

12.1

7.6

1

1.3

0.1

80.29

The Archaic sculptor chose soft sedimentary shale to carve this Double-Bitted Axe Bannerstone. Thinning the curved edges to a millimeter in width, this bannerstone is exceedingly fragile. Parallel to the perforation they carved a pointed edge on both sides, accentuating the near perfect symmetry of the composition. On one side the ridge has chipped in what could be archaic or historic period wear. The perforation is masterfully drilled with a hollow reed leaving noticeable even concentric circles on the inside. Though there are a few chips on the thin edges of the stone, there is no sign of wear at the perforation. Given the unusually soft geologic material and thin flanges of this stone, this carefully sculpted bannerstone may have been intended for extraordinary rather than everyday display. 2011.254.13 is written in red on one of the curved edges. Included in Knoblock pg. 333, no. 6.

6000-1000 BCE

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