Native American Artifacts & Collectibles
Lot 103:
4 1/2" Grooved Stone Plummet - Ex James Shields Collection
A finely crafted grooved stone plummet, fashioned from a dense buff-to-gray fine-grained sedimentary stone and exhibiting an elegant spindle-shaped form. The artifact measures approximately 4½ inches in length and is carefully shaped with tapered terminals and a flattened biconvex cross section. A neatly executed transverse suspension hole is positioned near one end, while both termini are encircled by multiple finely cut decorative grooves, creating a balanced and visually distinctive design. The piece displays a high degree of workmanship, having been extensively ground and polished to achieve its symmetrical outline. The perforation appears to have been carefully drilled from opposing sides, producing a centered bore consistent with traditional prehistoric stone-working techniques. The decorative groove bands are cleanly executed and remain well defined, demonstrating the maker’s attention to both utility and aesthetics. The stone exhibits attractive mottling in shades of tan, gray, and olive-brown, with scattered darker mineral staining developed through age and burial. The surface retains an ancient polish and smooth luster, while natural variations in the stone contribute to the artifact’s pleasing appearance. No major structural flaws are visible, and the maker appears to have selected a sound piece of material well suited to fine ground-stone manufacture. Condition is excellent overall, with only minor surface wear and handling marks consistent with age. The perforation and groove bands remain intact, and the artifact retains its strong original symmetry. Historic collection markings are present on one face, identifying the piece as having been found in Russell County, Kentucky, at the Wolf Creek Dam/Lake Cumberland area by Bennie Powell of Jamestown, Kentucky. The overall form, workmanship, drilling characteristics, decorative groove treatment, and surface wear are all consistent with an authentic prehistoric ceremonial or ornamental plummet/pendant from the Eastern Woodlands tradition. Examples exhibiting both a suspension perforation and extensive encircling groove decoration are especially desirable and visually striking forms within this class of artifact. Ex Bennie Powell Collection, Jamestown, Kentucky. Ex James Shield Collection.
Condition: Ancient Authentic
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