The rings may be divided into two classes: those for ornamentation and those for use in certain pursuits. Regarding the large rings found in California and Arizona, several theories have been advanced, chief among which are that they were weights for making more serviceable digging implements; that they were put on clubs and used as defensive weapons.
Regarding the ornamental rings such as are shown in Fig. 385 from Kentucky, these were finger-rings. Sometimes large ones are worn as bracelets, but most bracelets were made of copper or shell.
The rings with concave sides such as Fig. 384 were probably made use of in ceremonies concerning the nature of which we are ignorant.
CHAPTER XXIV
GROUND STONE—PROBLEMATICAL FORMS
BICAVES, OR DISCOIDAL STONES, TUBES, ETC.
Some years ago, Dr. J. F. Snyder coined the term “bicave,” or “twice hollowed,” as applying to these. He contended that the term “discoidal” was meaningless. I have always adopted his new word, and those who have not liked it have not offered convincing reasons for disregarding the term. It is possible for Latin scholars to coin many concise words to describe certain objects, and these words would convey precise meaning. This is done in palæontology, geology, and all other branches of science, and there is no reason why it should not be followed in archæology. The arguments to the contrary savor of pedantry.
Dr. Snyder’s term does not fit any other stone object, although Mr. McGuire, Professor Holmes, and others have all discussed these bicaves under the term “discoidals.”
There are many flat, thin discs of both stone and clay found throughout the United States. These could not be called bicaves, because they are not twice hollowed. But they mark the beginning of that form.
Of these discs, especially numerous in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio and along the Ohio River, there are three kinds: simple discs, discs with slightly depressed centres, and ornamented discs. The bicaves themselves are alike in outline, having depressed centres. But there are great differences in the depressions.
In the centre of Fig. 388 is a large disc of black slate around which is a well-defined rim. This form is rare. To the right of this specimen is a large quartzite bicave with a more extended rim. In Fig. 389 are four typical quartz and quartzite bicaves of general type.