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Prehistoric Art in Stone, Clay, and Metal

Cloud Blower Pipe, 1,000 B.C.
Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois

This exhibit, from the archives of the Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, highlights the artistry evident in objects manufactured in stone, clay, metal and shell that were produced by several native groups in Illinois from about 3,000 B.C. to A.D. 1400, several centuries prior to European expansion. 

The native groups produced everyday objects such as spear and arrow points using controlled fracturing or “flintknapping” to achieve the desired shape, but the craftsmanship evident in the final product often exceeded what was required for a functional tool, according to ITARP, which is a joint program of the University of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Transportation. ITARP assists the department in the preservation and protection of Illinois’ historic and archeological resources, carries out research activities and ensures information about the prehistory and history of Illinois is disseminated.

Pottery, which was introduced into Illinois about 1,000 B.C., provided a very elastic medium for artistic expression. Many of the motifs and complex geometric designs sometimes encountered on pottery were probably similar to those executed in basketry but which no longer survive. Many design elements were often repeated several times on the same vessel. These elements of design, by themselves or in combination, no doubt made reference to a special grammar of meaning, which is unavailable to us but presumably held special significance for the producers and consumers. 

They were also adept at portraying animal and human forms in either realistic or abstract styles. Animals (birds, turtles, frogs, snakes, beavers, etc.) are among the more commonly portrayed subjects, either occurring in effigy form as pots, or as vessel adornments. 

Elaborately carved stone figurines and pipes have also been found that were no doubt used for ceremonial occasions and passed from generation to generation. Comparatively little is known about the people who lived and died thousands of years ago in Illinois, but the aesthetic qualities evident in artifacts that survive often touches a responsive chord from our own experience. 

ITARP staff

 

 

Photographs courtesy of the Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois

Archaic Period 9,000–1,000 B.C.

Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight 4000-6000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight 4000-6000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight, 4,000-6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight, 4,000-6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight 4,000 - 6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Bannerstone - Throwing Stick Weight 4,000 - 6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Birdstone - Throwing Stick Hook 4,000-6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Birdstone - Throwing Stick Hook 4,000-6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Birdstone - Throwing Stick Hook 4,000 - 6,000 B.C. - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Birdstone - Throwing Stick Hook 4,000 - 6,000 B.C.- Illinois State Museum
Copper Amulet 1,000 - 3,000 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Copper Amulet 1,000 - 3,000 B.C.
Groundstone Gorget 1,000 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Groundstone Gorget 1,000 B.C.
Groundstone Gorget 1,000 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Groundstone Gorget 1,000 B.C.
 Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Groundstone Axe 3,000 B.C.
Illustration of Hafted Axe
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Illustration of Hafted Axe
Plummet "Net Weight" 1,000 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Plummet "Net Weight" 1,000 B.C.
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Spear Point Cache 2,500 B.C.

Early Woodland Period 1,000–300 B.C.

Copper Awl 1,000 - 300 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Copper Awl 1,000 - 300 B.C.
Early Pottery 750 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Early Pottery 750 B.C.
Small Bowl 750 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Small Bowl 750 B.C.
Dart Point 750 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point 750 B.C.
Dart Point 750 B.C.
Credit Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archaeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point 750 B.C.

Middle Woodland Period 300 B.C.–300 A.D.

Drilled Copper Bead Necklace - 160 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Drilled Copper Bead Necklace - 160 B.C. - A.D. 150
Drilled Pearl Bracelet - 160 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Drilled Pearl Bracelet - 160 B.C. - A.D. 150
Dart Point 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Dart Point - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150

Dart Point - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Dart Point 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Dart Point 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Pottery with Decoration - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Pottery with Decoration - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Small Bird Effigy Bowl - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Small Bird Effigy Bowl - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Miniature Bird Effigy Bowl - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Miniature Bird Effigy Bowl - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Bear Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Bear Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Hawk Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Hawk Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Raven Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Effigy Platform Raven Pipe - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150 - Illinois State Museum
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Figure - 150 B.C. - A.D. 150
Clay Figurine
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Clay Figuring
Clay Figurine
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Clay Figurine

Late Woodland Period A.D. 650–1000

Bone Fish Hooks - A.D. 650-900
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Bone Fish Hooks - A.D. 650-900
Large Clay Cooking Jar: A.D. 650-900
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Large Clay Cooking Jar: A.D. 650-900
Ceramic Elbow Pipe A.D. 650-1,000
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ceramic Elbow Pipe A.D. 650-1,000
Ceramic Turtle Effigy Pipe Bowl: A.D. 650-1,000
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ceramic Turtle Effigy Pipe Bowl: A.D. 650-1,000
Groundstone Bird Effigy: A.D. 650-1,000
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Groundstone Bird Effigy: A.D. 650-1,000
First True Arrowpoints in Illinois: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
First True Arrowpoints in Illinois: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Carved Stone Discoidal Gaming Piece: A.D. 650-900
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Discoidal Gaming Piece: A.D. 650-900
Carved Stone Discoidal Gaming Piece: A.D. 650-900
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Stone Discoidal Gaming Piece: A.D. 650-900

Mississippian Period A.D. 1000–1400

Carved Figurine: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Figurine: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Carved Figurine A.D.: 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Figurine A.D.: 1,000-1,200
Carved Figurine: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Figurine: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Stone Knives: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Stone Knives: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Stone Arrow Points: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Stone Arrow Points: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Ground Quartzite Discoidal: A.D. 1,000 - Western Illinois University
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ground Quartzite Discoidal: A.D. 1,000 - Western Illinois University
Ceramic Effigy Bear Bowl: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ceramic Effigy Bear Bowl: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Ceramic Effigy Owl Bowl: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ceramic Effigy Owl Bowl: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Ceramic Effigy Beaver Bowl: A.D. 1,000 - 1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Ceramic Effigy Beaver Bowl: A.D. 1,000 - 1,200
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (Various Views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (Various Views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (various views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (various views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (various views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Decorated Ceramic Beaker (various views): A.D. 1,000-1,200 - Western Illinois University
Carved Shell Ornament: A.D. 1,000-1,200
Credit Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
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Illinois Transportation Archeological Research Program, University of Illinois
Carved Shell Ornament: A.D. 1,000-1,200

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