The Adena Tablets are engraved tablets which has been recovered in contexts that are associated with the Adena culture of the Early Woodland Period (1000-200 BCE). As many as 13 have been found in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. So far the exact use for these tablets is unknown [2199×6357]

> The term “Adena Tablets” refers to a rare type of artifact which has been recovered in contexts that are associated with the Adena culture of the Early Woodland Period (1000-200 B.C.). As many as 13 have been found in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Tablets are engraved in deep bas-relief and are generally made from fine-grained sandstone, although a few Adena Tablets have been found in other materials, including limestone (Wright tablet), shale (Berlin Tablet) and clay (Gaitskill Tablet 1).

> Adena tablets can be engraved on one or both sides and are usually carved with highly stylized zoo-morphs (having the shape of an animal) and curvilinear geometric designs. These are often interpreted as raptorial birds and possibly human shaman motifs dressed in animal regalia and masks. More often than not, images are split down the middle of the stylized geometric designs, perhaps placing a heightened importance on bilateral symmetry.

> So far the exact use for the mysterious Adena Tablets is unknown. However, a few have been found with red ochre residue (mineral used to manufacture paint and dye) on stylized surfaces. This leads some archaeologists to believe that the tablets could have been used as stamps for body or fabric decoration. It may also be that the tablets were used for other purposes such as imprinting on pottery or as stenciling aides for tattooing.

[https://www.cincymuseum.org/2019/06/09/the-story-of-the-cincinnati-tablet/](https://www.cincymuseum.org/2019/06/09/the-story-of-the-cincinnati-tablet/)

[https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-Gaitskill-Stone-Tablet-B-Gaitskill-Clay-Tablet-C-Lakin-A-Tablet-D-Wilmington_fig2_277720624](https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-Gaitskill-Stone-Tablet-B-Gaitskill-Clay-Tablet-C-Lakin-A-Tablet-D-Wilmington_fig2_277720624)

First time I’ve heard of these. Fascinating and enigmatic.

Am I alone in getting joy from looking at them?