Licking Township, Licking County, Ohio
Ken Johnston collection
Also pictured here are two flint, again somewhat bird-like, blades found within 10 feet of the beaked piece. These pieces were most likely not associated in pre-history but are staged together here to illustrate what seem to be avian shapes found in this locale in greater numbers than pure randomness should allow. Perhaps a pattern can be demonstrated with publication of more examples of this artifact type.
As the enabling (knife-like, spear-like) and first part of a bird to emerge into this world, these beaks may have had a symbolic significance expressed in flint and beyond their potential utility as tool attributes.
The topic of children toys in archaeology is rarely addressed but it is likely some rock art was used for learning and play. A real bird is difficult for a child to hold but they are such a large part of the world of nature early people were immersed in. Maybe these bird forms were a way to capture a child's imagination for a time.
three artifacts found at Hebron, Ohio, along Buckeye Lake, by Ken Johnston
reverse sides of the artifacts
all shown with scale
close up of beak-like feature
beak feature from opposite side of artifact
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