Native Archeological Trivia

Here is Something Many of you might not know
Living on the shores of Lake Erie,
if you walk the shoreline in search of driftwood and shells or beach glass, you might come across little ivory-like treasures of stone.
Our history tells us that they were found in Indian archeological digs and uses were for decorations and to ward off illness.
Known as “Lucky Stones” or “Lucky Pieces”
you’ll find the letter “L” or “J” on them.
So what exactly are they ? ?
They are the ear bones from the freshwater drum, commonly known as the sheephead..
The “L” comes from the right side and
the “J” comes from the left side of the fish.
History says they were valuable and used as barter and Great Lakes sailors and fishermen believed these smooth little bones were good luck and a guard against harm during storms.
So a little more history on our Great Lake Erie and if you’re “Lucky” enough, you might
find a few.
Photo credit Marilyn Washburn Boyles. via: Bonnie Jones  Powwow Trail
I heard heard of ear stones in fish but not this example before.

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