When you look at this, what do you see? The most obvious answer is a shell, but it is more than thatโit is ancient jewelry! It is likely this once belonged to a member of the Hohokam culture. Skilled craftsmen, the Hohokam were known for their many material accomplishments, including their shell ornaments. Trade is …
Check out this beautiful Trough Metate! The accompanying grinding stoneโknown as a Manoโwould have been a perfect fit for this specific Metate, and not a good fit for any other, thus, not interchangeable. While the Basin-type Metates I have shared previously (visit link below) were intended for single-hand use and grinding in a circular motion, …
Here we have 2 different artifacts with similar appearances and functions. Can you tell the difference? I briefly touched on the Metate and its use before, but I will retouch on it in this post. Similarities: Like the Metate, Mortars are food-prep tools made of stone with an inner-basin used to process different plant material …
If you’ve ever visited ancient ruins, you may have encountered something like this. As remarkable as it is, corn and cornhusks, centuries old, just like these, can still be found today. Evidence suggest many natives were protein-starved, and corn may have been the staple in the diet of many tribes. When the Spanish came into …
These mysterious “spirits” lie at the border of the Navajo lands, not far from the ancient dwellings of the Wupatki. No one knows the true origins of these mysterious totems, or their purpose, but there are stories… One story of the area says a man froze to death. Another one says a man was murderedโstabbed …
To some people this might look like nothing, but in actuality, this is what’s known as a “Metate,” a stone tool used by native peoples going back thousands of years to prepare plant foods. Metates were meant to be used in conjunction with a Mano (grinding stone), a small rounded rock, similar to what you …
This arrowhead is in great condition and still sharp. It is likely from the early Hohokam culture. The Hohokam were known to make very fine dart points with serrated edges, in addition to a thin design, which would increase lethality—these are major identifiers. Their weapon crafting was more sophisticated than surrounding tribes. ? *Special thanks …