Archaic bannerstone 3000–1000 BC Pike County, Missouri Porphyry 7 x 6 x 3 cm Collected by I. McGirk Mitchell Presented by Harmon W. Hendricks 6/1563
Archaic bannerstone 3000–1000 BC Williamston County, Illinois Rose quartz 7.5 x 6 x 2 cm Purchase 14/6179
An atlatl, or spear-thrower, extends the radius of the throwing arm so that a spear can gain velocity and distance. A bannerstone, or weight, placed at the center of the atlatl shaft, adds stability, allowing for greater accuracy.