About: Split-twig figurine

A split-twig figurine is one of many artifacts located around several Western states of the United States, specifically Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California. They are made from flexible wooden twigs, such as willow, and are split down the middle and wrapped carefully, usually into animal shapes. There are several variations in wrapping styles across the states, and are thought to have had various functions as well in past societies. They have been radiocarbon dated, among other techniques, to between 2,000 and 4,000 years ago. This places split-twig figurines around roughly the Archaic and Late Archaic era of North America.