Crescent Bannerstones: Identification, Types and History
The crescent bannerstone is one of the most recognizable bannerstone forms: two curved wings sweeping out from a central drilled hole, like a crescent moon. Collectors prize crescents for their graceful lines, and the type includes some of the most dramatic bannerstones ever made, from simple single crescents to rare knobbed and double forms.
This guide covers how to identify a crescent bannerstone, the main crescent sub-types, how crescents differ from the similar pick type and what collectors look for. For an overview of all bannerstone forms, see Bannerstones: The Complete Guide.
What Is a Crescent Bannerstone?
A crescent bannerstone has a curved, moon-shaped outline with the perforation, or drilled hole, at the center of the curve. The wings are broad and end in rounded tips rather than sharp points. That rounded ending is the easiest way to tell a crescent from a pick bannerstone, which has a similar curved outline but narrower, more pointed ends.
Crescent is one of the 24 types recognized by the Archaic Bannerstone Project, based on the system Byron Knoblock set out in his 1939 study Banner-stones of the North American Indian. Like other bannerstones, crescents were made during the Archaic period, roughly 8,000 to 3,000 years ago, and are often connected to the atlatl, or spear-thrower.
Crescent Bannerstone Sub-Types
- Single crescent: one curved bar with a central perforation. The most common crescent form.
- Double crescent: two crescent shapes joined at the center, giving a balanced, winged profile. Double crescents were often carved from fine banded slate and are fragile, so complete examples are uncommon.
- Notched crescent: a crescent with notches cut into the outline.
- Knobbed crescent: a crescent with knobs of varying size at the tips of the wings. Knobbed crescents are among the most striking crescent forms. The Terry McGuire and Ed Harvey collections include a 7.75 inch knobbed crescent from Preble County, Ohio.
- Miniature crescent: small crescents, sometimes only a couple of inches long.
Knoblock noted that many bannerstones blend the features of more than one type, so a piece may sit between a crescent and a lunate or pick form. That is normal and part of what makes identification interesting.
How to Identify a Crescent Bannerstone
- Outline: a smooth curve, like a crescent moon, with both wings bending the same way.
- Wing tips: broad and rounded, not sharply pointed. Pointed tips suggest a pick.
- Perforation: centered in the curve. Ancient drilling usually leaves fine circular striations inside the hole.
- Symmetry: well-made crescents are carefully balanced, with matching wings on each side of the hole.
- Material: banded slate is common, especially for double and knobbed forms, but crescents were also made from other stones.
Reproductions exist, so check the drill hole, surface patina and wear closely. Our complete bannerstone guide explains the signs of a genuine piece in more detail.
Where Are Crescent Bannerstones Found?
Crescent bannerstones are found across the eastern United States. Archaeologists recovered them at Archaic sites in the Chickamauga Basin of Tennessee, and fine examples are known from the Ohio Valley and the Midwest. As with all bannerstones, a documented find location adds both interest and value.
What Is a Crescent Bannerstone Worth?
Value depends on the sub-type, material, size, symmetry, condition and provenance. Knobbed and double crescents in striking banded slate, complete and well documented, are the most sought after. Broken or repaired pieces bring less. The best way to know what yours is worth is a free bannerstone appraisal.
Crescent Bannerstone FAQ
What is the difference between a crescent and a pick bannerstone?
Both are curved, but a crescent has broad, rounded wing tips while a pick has narrower wings ending in points.
What is a knobbed crescent bannerstone?
A crescent bannerstone with knobs at the tips of the wings. It is one of the rarer and more desirable crescent forms.
How old are crescent bannerstones?
Like other bannerstones, they date to the Archaic period, roughly 8,000 to 3,000 years ago.
Have a Crescent Bannerstone?
Send us clear photos of each side and the drill hole, with a ruler for scale, for a free appraisal. We also buy single pieces and full collections. Learn how we buy bannerstones, or browse more bannerstone types.