Soapstone Disk (specimen #048-494). The Berry Site (31BK22). Burke County, North Carolina. Excavated in 2008 by the Warren Wilson College Field School. Unit: N864E184, level: Plowzone 2. Weight: 53.3 g. Diameter: 4.4 cm. Material: Soapstone.
Remarks: This soapstone disk was made by Native Americans and used as a gaming piece or a counter in games of chance. Disks were often made out of pieces of pottery or stone. This disk has been drilled partially through the center on both sides. Some disks are drilled through the center so this may be an example of incomplete drilling. Anther soapstone disk that the Lab previously modeled, specimen #093-397, also was decorated but those incised decorations were likely made with an iron knife, not a stone drill.
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