my fondness for stones and bones

I attribute my love of archeology, of relics and bones, to the DNA inherited from my great-great grandfather, Palestine Hanna (1856-1938). Farm folk would bring him bones, and various Native American relics from miles around the tiny village of Burlington, Indiana, for his extensive collection, which he kept in a large,
handmade walnut cabinet.

As a girl, I spent many a blissful afternoon, hands cupped around my eyes, and nose pressed against the glass of that dark, magical cabinet. Literally, hundreds of arrowheads and various relics were part of his vast collection. Sadly, my grandfather sold the entire lot of relics back in the 1960s. A tragic mistake I wish I had been old enough to prevent.

There is, however, one piece from Palestine's cabinet that managed to be saved from the sale. I am fortunate enough to have it hanging in the dining room at the manor. It's a giant 38 inch sawfish blade.I have no idea how or where Grandpa Pal acquired this fascinating item, but I have fond memories of it nestled in the back of his cabinet, keeping watch over arrowheads and spear tips.




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