Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 499:
3 1/4" Granite Popeye Birdstone, Bill Howland, circa 1970s
3 1/4 in speckled granite Popeye birdstone by Bill Howland mid to late 20th century
This 3 1/4 in speckled granite Popeye birdstone was crafted by Bill Howland of Pike County Illinois an active hardstone maker from the mid to late 20th century
Howland began carving in the mid century and continued producing pieces for decades
Although not widely known to the general collecting public his work circulated among other makers and the resellers who handled modern hardstone carvings during that era
Like many craftsmen of his time he did not sign his pieces instead his work is recognized by the distinctive habits of his workmanship
One of Howlands most consistent traits appears in the head he intentionally raised the eyes so they stand above the plane of the head a feature that helps identify his birdstones even today
The drilling on this example also reflects the makers attention to detail with two tapered cones meeting on the underside in a manner similar to the biconical drilling seen on authentic prehistoric pieces
This feature is occasionally replicated by skilled modern lithic artists including Howland
This piece also serves as an excellent educational example for collectors learning to distinguish modern birdstones from prehistoric originals
A key point for collectors is that there are zero archaeologically documented granite birdstones
Granite was never used for prehistoric birdstones as it is far too hard and brittle to shape with the peck and grind tools of the Archaic period
Every granite birdstone known today is a modern creation
Occasionally 19th century publications illustrated unusual stone objects submitted by collectors including a porphyry example printed in the late 1800s
However these pieces were not excavated not provenanced and are widely understood today to represent early reproductions or curiosities rather than authentic prehistoric artifacts
No granite or porphyry birdstone has ever been recovered from a controlled archaeological dig
Additional traits that identify modern birdstones include
Bright even machine quality polish
Perfect symmetry and crisp uniform shaping
Modern drilling typically perfectly cylindrical and smooth
Lack of ancient patina mineral etching or soil sheen
Authentic prehistoric birdstones by contrast were made from materials such as slate greenstone and siltstone and they show hand ground irregularities pecking scars and a soft aged surface
This birdstone is a classic example of Howlands mid century Pike County craftsmanship and a useful reference piece for collectors who appreciate modern hardstone artistry and want to understand how it differs from prehistoric originals
Condition: Modern
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