Second, Hemphill-style imagery as deployed on stone palettes emphasizes the theme of centering, which defines notions of the “center” as a sacred space. We believe that this theme of centering is consonant with the use of stone palettes as portable altars in the preparation of spiritually charged substances, perhaps to be used in ceremonies. Third, Hemphill imagery, especially with the theme of centering, is also found on items of personal adornment: pendants with socially restricted distribution. We think it likely, based on this distribution, that such artifacts were worn as emblems of
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