These six small rocks are called "stone sinkers." Native American peoples who engaged in fishing, including the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce), would often used stone sinkers to weigh down and hold fishing nets in place. The stone sinkers are identifiable by their indentation/notching in the middle or the sides. All six of these stone sinkers have indentations on each of their sides. It is unknown when these stone sinkers were originally notched or used, but they were most likely fashioned by Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) peoples. Evidence suggests these six stone sinkers were picked up by L.V. McWhorter at the mouth of the Clearwater River in present-day north central Idaho. Though the exact date L.V. McWhorter picked these up is unknown, these stones were most likely picked up in the early 1900s. These six stone sinkers are at the top of the photograph and cataloged inclusively as (1986.2.50-55). The other items in the photograph include five arrowheads (1986.2.49, 1986.2.46, 1986.2.48, 1986.2.47, and 1986.2.45 in order from left to right), two obsidian flake scrapers (1986.2.57), and a cube-shaped pipe (1986.2.83), all below the stone sinkers.
