May 17th 2014 Primitive American Artifacts Sale (12)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/16/2014
Mississippian period 1100 - 600 B.P. Hamilton County (Chattanooga) Tennessee. Tan fine grained quartzite. Early European travelers chronicled the fact that Chun-Kee games were of supreme importance to the Indigenous population, as tribal fortunes were wagered on the outcome. Hundreds of years before that time, Mississippian people had a great reverence for Chun-Kee as well, proof of which may be seen in this “Double Cupped” Discoidal masterpiece. Rarely do Discoidals reach this level of refinement. The symmetry and edge definition captured in this specimen represent the pinnacle of Mississippian ground stone craftsmanship. “Thumb Polish” covers the entire cup face on both sides. The precision of this ancient gambling device reflects the importance of its trajectory in hope of winning the game. pictured in Moreheads. Hamilton County (Chattanooga) Tennessee is the epicenter of the Mississippian culture who used and revered these stones. Tan quartzite seems to be the preferred material for those found in Tennessee.
Item Dimensions: 5" Dia.