Here are a few examples of engraving from my collection.  The mystery behind engraving has always intrigued me.  Why did they do it?  Was it art for arts sake, a way to bless the object, a way to keep records, or one of hundreds of other possibilities?  I have noticed regularly occurring patterns such as cross hatching, ladders, and triangles.  The use of engraving on salvaged items is also common.  Were the items engraved after the item was broken as it was being salvaged or was it engraved then ceremonially broken then salvaged?  These designs obviously meant something, but what?  The answers may never be known, but I guess that is part of the fun of collecting. Large pictures of these items are posted in my gallery with the exception of the tablet in the bottom picture.  I would love to hear your theories for engraving. 

3 Wayne County engraved items.  The top two have been salvaged, while the bottom gorget was never broken.

The next two items are a small bone disc engraved or grooved.  The disc was found with a childs ball and cup game in NE Arkansas.  It is theorized that it may have been used as a score keeping device.  The other is salvaged slate from Wayne County Ohio.

Lastly is a heavily engraved tablet piece.  I really regret selling this a couple years ago.

I am extremely fascinated with engraving.  We see many forms of art being created by the early people of this land, but nothing gives a personal touch like engraving. As a side note:  I have been looking for this artifact for years with no success.  It is made of Steatite, heavily engraved, and measures 2 3/4 inches.  It was sold May 15, 1999 as part of sale 5 of the Vietzen collection.  It was number 255 in the auction.  I would appreciate any help in tracking this piece down.

I would love to hear your theories as to why items were engraved and their association with salvaging. Gregory Dush