Selections from the Sutter Collection

stone figurine
Stone figurine. Using the same technique used to make arrowheads, this figurine is unique among artifacts from this period. It may be a charm, a toy, or both. Material: Chert — Cobden-Dongola. Region: Midwest U.S. Culture: Mississippian? MCHS object 1929-002-0629.
hand (fragment)
Hand (fragment). A broken ceramic right hand that was once a part of a larger figurine. This piece has a hole that goes through the fingers that would allow it to hold something such as a spear or bow. Material: Ceramic/clay. Region: Midwest U.S. Culture: Mississippian? MCHS object 1929-002-0626.
carved dog
Carved dog. A prehistoric Indian artist carved this turtle vertebrae bone into the shape of a dog. It is unique in the archaeological record and its exact purpose is unknown. Material: Bone. Region: Midwest U.S. Culture: Mississippian? MCHS object 1929-002-0627.
human head effigy pipe
Human head effigy pipe. This piece is the bowl portion of a pipe made in the shape of a human head. The missing wooden pipe stem would have attached at the back of the head. Material: Stone/ceramic? Region: Midwest U.S. Culture: Mississippian? MCHS object 1929-002-0641.
arrowhead
Arrowhead. Gibson style? Material: Burlington chert. Region: Edwardsville. MCHS object 1929-002-00642.
awl
Awl. This type of awl is typically made from deer bone. Native American women used them for sewing clothing made from buckskin. There are definite wear marks on the awl and a hole to thread sinew. Material: Bone. Region: Midwest U.S.? MCHS object 1929-002-0628.
owl effigy vessel
Owl effigy vessel. Mr. Sutter purchased this ceramic owl effigy from the Ramey family who found it in Monks Mound. The purpose of this type of effigy vessel is unknown. Material: Ceramic/clay, shell temper. Region: Midwest U.S. Culture: Cahokia, Mississippian (AD 900-1400 BCE). MCHS object 1929-002-0630.