Speaking as a prehistoric archy....I know what you (whoever posted the
original posting) mean....but I personally avoid using such
terminology...or "ceremonial object" (what I usually hear/read in
California)....and just describe the item for what it is...no known
function.  I don't like to assume things were "special" if they were
not...since we will probably never know.
But...I'm not the 'typical' archy (I don't drink alcohol either - ha ha).


At 07:27 PM 10/13/2004 +0100, you wrote:
>In message <[log in to unmask]>, Automatic digest processor
><[log in to unmask]> writes
> >I know every prehistoric archaeologist that finds anything unusual says =
> >its "a ritual object" but this seems to be a well attested practice.
> >
> >Any thoughts?