Wilmington Tablet Replica

Among the rarest and most puzzling Adena objects are the engraved tablets. The original Wilmington tablet (named for the location in which it was found) consists of mirror images, with stylized human faces on bird heads. It is thought that the combination of bird and human features represent either ceremonial dancers or shamans. Also, this type of tablet is often thought to be a template for tattoos. A tablet coated with ink would be pressed onto a person's body, thereby stamping it with the image. A fine bone needle could then press the ink through the skin.

The replica is made of clay and is approximately 4 x 5 inches in size.