Fig. 561. (S. 2–3.) Bear-tusks in which pearl beads were inserted as ornaments. These are cut and polished, the bases being cut squarely off or diagonally, for what purpose is unknown. These specimens were found in various mounds, Ross County, Ohio, as were several other objects illustrated in this chapter.
“The manufacture of headgear from the buffalo, or the elk-horn, was brought about in the same manner. The buffalo-horn or the elk-horn was incised, after shaving smooth, from top to bottom, or vice versa, one incision opposite the other, thus forming two exact counterparts. Then they were cut or ornamented to fit the head and the taste of the wearer. The pieces were scraped thin and smooth from both sides, and then polished.”
Fig. 562. (S. 1–1.) Dug up by W. C. Mills from Ohio mounds, as were the specimens shown in Figs. 558 to 565.
I shall conclude the chapter on bone objects with some remarks from Mr. Charles E. Brown, concerning the distribution of bone implements in the Wisconsin-Michigan region:—
“The largest local collection of bone implements is that of Mr. S. D. Mitchell of Green Lake. It includes harpoon-heads, awls, tubes, and other articles obtained from a so-called ‘sacred spring’ into which it is thought that these and other objects were cast by early savages, probably for the purpose of propitiating some evil spirit supposed to dwell therein.
Fig. 563. (S. 1–1.) Cut bear-tusks, and tusks in which pearl beads are inserted. From Ohio mounds.
Fig. 564. (S. 3–4.) Engraved bone, Harness Mound, Ohio.