Two Clay Artifacts from the Rhineland Village of Heidesheim am Rhein May Be Prehistoric Toys

In this paper, two low-fired clay artifacts from separate prehistoric surface sites in the village of Heidesheim am Rhein near Mainz, Germany are described. One of the artifacts can, among other things, be interpreted as a button-like bead or as a whirling toy known as a buzz, while the other artifact can be classified as either a marble or a sling missile. In addition, various previously described stone objects and fossil shells from the same two surface sites are here reinterpreted as the possible possessions of children. These objects include a naturally perforated stone manuport, a white quartz pebble which has been partially coated with a reddish pigment, and a painted figurine made on a pebble whose elongated shape resembles the human form.