MMA 2011.154.15

121

2011.154.15

7/26/2023

Fulton County, Illinois. Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe Collection until 2010. Gift of the Ralph T. Coe Foundation for the Arts in 2010-2011.

Orange and off-white

7.6

13.3

1.3

2.4

0.3

349.89

Archaic sculptors often chose to create bannerstones out of ferruginous quartz due to its high contrast of milky white intermixed with iron minerals in shades of deep saturated oranges, reds, or pinks. This particular bannerstone is twice the size and weight of most bannerstones placing it in the category of a rare “hypertrophic” [relatively large] sculpture. Whatever the purpose of bannerstones in the Archaic period, this one would have been too large and too heavy to be placed on a throwing stick, or part of everyday use. It would have been singled out for special, perhaps ceremonial performances or display. Along the edges and perforation there are little to no signs of wear, further indicating that this was a unique bannerstone similar to ceremonial axes or celts made by ancient artists of North and Central America including the Olmec and Maya. On one side of the stone Fulton Co Ill. is written in black on a white label. This refers to Fulton County in Illinois, presumably where this bannerstone was found. 2011.154.15 is written in red on one end above the perforation. On one side of the stone Fulton Co Ill. is written in black on a white label. This refers to Fulton County in Illinois, presumably where this bannerstone was found. 2011.154.15 is written in red on one end along the perforation.

6000-1000 BCE

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