Island Of La Plata Bahia Stones
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of these
Ecuadorian Bahia Stones
These are enigmatic stone artifacts from La Plata Island, Ecuador -Bahia Phase. They are perforated rectangular blocks and feature a multitude of engraved center rings and dot ornamentation throughout the stone’s surface. Each stone has a particular set of quantity, and sized circles shared equally on all four sides. The perforations are started from the ends and meet in the middle, tapering from the center towards the corners. As for suspension, no evidence is seen of use on the edges of the holes. Their use is still unknown. However, several hypotheses are that they could have been used for navigation aids, games or possibly as spindles. These types of stones finds have been restricted to a ceremonial center at the Isla de la Plata site in Ecuador. They are volcanic tuff and grayish-white in color. Bahia Phase ca. 300 B.C. – 500 A.D. The largest measures 2.5”/6.35 cm in length. These are ultra-rare specimens. Choice.
Similar examples are shown in very limited published works: “Archaeological Investigations on the Island of La Plata, Ecuador” by George A. Dorsey and “Ecuador” by Betty J. Meggers, pg.88.
Provenance: Ex – Mann collection. Acquired 1970’s
Price – $3,800
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