Description: An incredibly rare, fine Boatstone Gorget made of polished Steatite. These objects were made during the Woodland Era around the time of Christ some 2,000 years ago. Few of these were ever made, and only over a limited period of time before this design fell out of fashion. These were the possesion of the Shaman or priest, and they were worn like a pendant around the neck. They are called Boatstones, obviously because of their boat like appearance. Inside the cavity of the 'boat hull' was special magical powders or red paint with a small leather wrapped cover. This was used by the Shaman during his visits with the sick. He would wipe paint or powder on the patient while reciting songs, durges or incantations to remove the illness. The raised groove travels from one suspension hole all the way around to the other hole with some tally marks on the protruding 'Keel" on the bottom. Note too the deep gouge marks inside the hull of the boat. These are left over from the manufacturing process and were probably made by a Deer antler tool. A facinating, beautiful relic with a long interesting history.
Provenance: Found many decades ago near the Little Tallapoosa River, very close to the Georgia line. Marked "Graham Alabama"; a tiny town in extreme northeastern Randolph Co. Alabama.
