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How did people express themselves artistically? What kinds of things did they use for personal adornment? Many different materials were used for art, but in Wisconsin wood, leather, and basketry have not survived. A variety of stone, bone, and antler objects have been found. We aren't sure of their meaning, and these items may have had ritual as well as artistic significance.

Engraved Stone

Some stones have been found that have been engraved with either abstract designs, or what appear to be thunderbirds, human figures, deer, bison, and so forth. These objects may have represented a type of portable art, or may have had other significance to the society.

Carved Stones

Some stones were carved into different shapes, such as birds, particularly raptors.

Clay Figurines

Some figurines were made from fired clay. They give us hints as to how people may have dressed and acted in the past.

Bone and Antler Ornaments

People have always taken joy in art and personal ornaments. Undoubtedly many ornaments were made of perishable materials such as leather, wood, feathers, reeds or quills, but have not survived. We find beads and other ornaments made of bone, shell, antler, and stone.

Rock Art

Rock art includes carvings (petroglyphs) and drawings or paintings (pictographs) Rock art occurs in many places around the world, and often represents the only preserved art of prehistoric cultures. These special reflections on the past erode through time, but often are damaged or destroyed by modern graffiti, and in some instances by theft. Archaeologists strive to preserve rock art through photography and mapping, and by fostering good stewardship.