For making tubular braids; incised decoration and animal-head ornament.
Waterman 1959 describes it as '...cut from antler... perforated through the broadest part from side to side with an intersecting perforation through the base... Two are ornamented [this example] has an engraved step-pattern on both faces, practically worn away on the reverse, and a wedge shaped panel filled with fine oblique incisions on one side. The two points have, crude, barely recognizable zoomorphic terminals and animal masks, with large ears, are cut on the sides in relief, flanking the perforation... These objects are called pendants without prejudice as to their actual use. Evidence of wear at the perforations suggests that they were intended for suspension and the decorated examples may indeed have been worn as ornaments. The distinctive shape, however, suggests that they may have been put to some practical use, although, in view of the decorative treatment of the points, this is unlikely in [this case]'.
See YORYM : 1948.619 and YORYM : C668 for other examples.
