Seven specimens of worked bone are thought to have been used as
gaming pieces. For three of these, this designation is relatively
certain. These are small flat oblong objects with a series of parallel
striations on the edges of one face. In addition, two have a line of
indentations running up the center. These depressions were probably
drilled (see Fig. 52).
[Illustration: FIGURE 50—Rib-scapula cutting implements. ¾ actual
size.]
[Illustration: FIGURE 51—A-D, problematical pieces. E-G, worked mica.
H-N, gaming pieces.]
A fourth piece appears to be an unfinished example, and provides some
data on the method of manufacture. Apparently, the length of bone
(rib?) to be utilized was cut to the desired width and partially
smoothed; the ends were rounded and also partially finished; then
several sections of the length of the proposed gaming piece were cut
off by grooving and fracturing. The piece was then smoothed to the
proper shape, the striations cut, and the indentations drilled.
The other three specimens included here are somewhat problematical.
One approximates the shape of the unfinished gaming piece. The second
is a piece of skull cap, (species unidentified) of the same general
shape as the above; two of the sides are formed by suture lines, the
ends by polishing. The third fragment is in the same size range and has
serrated edges. The dimensions of the gaming pieces can be seen in Fig.
51.
[Illustration: FIGURE 52—Gaming pieces, 2× actual size.]