Dirk Huylebrouck, in a review of the research on the object, favors the idea that the Ishango bone had some advanced mathematical use, stating that "whatever the interpretation, the patterns surely show the bone was more than a simple tally stick." He also remarks that "to credit the computational and astronomical reading simultaneously would be far-fetched", quoting mathematician George Joseph, who stated that "a single bone may well collapse under the heavy weight of conjectures piled onto it." Similarly, George Joseph, in "The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics" also stated that the Ishango bone was "more than a simple tally." Moreover, he states that "certain underlying numerical patterns may be observed within each of the rows marked." But, regarding various speculative theories of its exact mathematical use, concluded that several are plausible but uncertain. See also History of mathematics Paleolithic tally sticks References Further reading O. Keller, "The fables of Ishango, or the irresistible temptation of mathematical fiction" V. Pletser, D. Huylebrouck, "Contradictions and narrowness of views in "The fables of Ishango, or the irresistible temptation of mathematical fiction", answers and updates" Archaeological discoveries in Africa History of Africa History of mathematics Mathematical tools Bone products Upper Paleolithic