Identify an Indian artifact, tool or weapon

[DrD]

Can anyone help me to identify what I believe is an Indian artifact I found in a field in Indiana about 40 years ago? It measures about 7” long and 1.5” thick.

 

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[Professor of Engineering]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Dr D, welcome to treasurenet, sorry but nothing in pictures says it is anything other than natural rock.

 

[Mine Shaft]

T.H. is right. Keep looking good luck, also many many images on the net of Indian artifacts that way you will know what to look for.

 

[RustyGold]

Welcome to TreasureNet.

 

[vpnavy]

1st - I noticed this was your very first post - so, Welcome Aboard DrD! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forum: Select Your Area.... and selecting location information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country). You might also consider adding your state (or country) to your displayed profile (SETTINGS -> EDIT PROFILE) - members may have more success helping you (your location may help, etc.)...

2nd - I moved ya from NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS over to ROCKS/GEMS for more exposure.

 

[DrD]

Thanks!!

 

[dognose]

I agree its not an Indian artifact. Nice rock though

 

[DrD]

I'll try to post some other pics that point out obvious markings or wear spots.

 

[DrD]

The marks are difficult to see in pics but are definitely there.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Marks are most likely plow strikes, still seeing nothing that would say artifact.

 

[DrD]

Ok. I appreciate the feedback but I am 95% sure this is an artifact. I put some powder on it to see if pics show more of the tool or wear marks. I do think some of the scratches might be from a plow but there are several smooth marks.

 

[DrD]

I’d also like to know what kind of stone it is. It’s very shiny.

 

[unclemac]

if an artifact, what do you suppose it was used for? stone artifacts either have an obvious use or are obviously altered. yours, found in a farm field, has classic plow marks. a lot of true artifacts do too.

 

[releventchair]

Ok. I appreciate the feedback but I am 95% sure this is an artifact. I put some powder on it to see if pics show more of the tool or wear marks. I do think some of the scratches might be from a plow but there are several smooth marks. View attachment 1671188View attachment 1671189View attachment 1671190View attachment 1671191View attachment 1671192

Ain't nothin goin on but the rent with this piece.

Save it.
After you get your hands on some worked lithics from the area over time ....Revisit this piece.

When it no longer impresses you are being an artifact , bust the end off it. You will not find suitable material for much use.
It looks like sediment or clay from a gazzilion years ago.

Keep looking.

 

[stdenis_jd]

That rock is phyllite, wouldn't hold up to any stress that a tool would cause. Phyllite is a precursor to schist and is relatively fragile

 

[stdenis_jd]

The marks you're seeing is either plow marks as earlier stated or glacial drag

 

[DrD]

I would say it was used as a tool. I think you have to see it to appreciate the markings. Maybe I’m wrong about it being an artifact but I don’t think so. Where could I take it for an in person evaluation? Any ideas?

 

[releventchair]

I would say it was used as a tool. I think you have to see it to appreciate the markings. Maybe I’m wrong about it being an artifact but I don’t think so. Where could I take it for an in person evaluation? Any ideas?

A museum curator that has experience with lithics in your area. Then a second one at another museum.

A native elder could be helpful too...

They may want to know the context of the recovery site.