Archaic Donut Stones- San Diego, CA
Donut stones are large, perforated stones used as weights. In California, donut stones have been a lithic tradition since the Archaic period. Evidence suggests that coastal communities picked stones that were naturally burrowed by piddock clams, then widened the holes for a variety of purposes.
Archaeologists determine their function by examining the tool's symmetry, use-wear and hole diameter. For example, donut stones with a large diameter and polished surface were most likely attached to digging sticks or added as burial goods. On the other hand, donut stones with a small diameter and unpolished surface could have acted as netsinkers or hammerstones.
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