These stones belong to that class of objects which have been interpreted at different times as being:
1. Weights for determining the vertical.
2. Weights for weaving apparatus.
3. Weights used in spinning.
4. Weights used for fishing nets or lines.
5. Ornaments.
6. Medicine stones or charms.[[73]]
A number of articles under class IV (Form IVa) are made of hematite.[[74]] Of the objects under consideration, 1-8925 ([plate 10], fig. 9) is made of the same. The use of hematite generally presupposes that an implement is going to be employed as a weight. Since the forms that belong to this class merge into one another in an uninterrupted series, one is justified in assuming that they were all weights.
It is further clear that the shape of the pear-like stones, which have caused so much speculation, must have been fitted for some particular purpose. This is to be inferred from the fact that stones of like shape have been found in widely separated parts of the United States outside of California, in Maine,[[75]] Massachusetts,[[76]] Ohio,[[77]] Illinois,[[78]] and elsewhere.
Furthermore, H. H. Bancroft[[79]] has made the important assertion that such implements are usually found in a mutilated condition. This is borne out by the fact that out of the nine pear-shaped and inverted pear-shaped stones represented by groups 4a and 4b, there is only one which is perfect. It is to be inferred from this that, however elaborately they are ornamented, these implements were put to essentially practical uses. Hence the theory that they were worn as ornaments or charms is untenable.[[80]]