Drum Stones- Seip Earthworks, OH
In 1926, archaeologists found five steatite stones inside a burned pit at Seip Mounds. The mound is part of a series of earthworks within Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Seip was third largest mound containing over 100 burials with ceramic vessels, jewelry and other goods.
Each stone is perfectly round with 5 distinct engravings, each weighing approximately 11-18 grams. Archaeologists originally interpreted the stones as “shamanistic items” or game pieces. However, neither interpretation correlated with the archaeological patterns of the time period.
Recently, local Shawnee tribal leaders reinterpreted the stones as water drum weights. According to modern traditions, drumheads are anchored to the shell by wrapping the edges around black pebbles. Modern drum weights are the same shape and size as the stones above.
This reinterpretation also changed analyses of other ceramic vessels found in proximity to the stones. The original catalog listed 593 sherds of pottery, including vessels with four short, thick and pointed legs. Zurel (2004) reexamined these vessels and found evidence of abrasion and polishing around the feet. This suggests that drumheads were secured around the vessel’s feet, but it doesn’t account for the placement of stone weights.
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