What is it?

[hav2fish]

Friend of mine picked this up at a flea market and brought it by to ask me what I thought. I told him I thought it might have a little age to it. It's carved and drilled from what looks like sandstone. I'm no expert but I know there are some very knowledgeable folks on here. Could this be a paint pot of some sort? I've been hunting here in Central Texas for a while but just don't know enough about this type of artifact (or non-artifact). Feelings won't be hurt so fire away.

 

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[quito]

Never seen anything like it. Over all size reference would help. How deep are the holes and such. It almost looks like it was burned in. And is that a tiny hole showing on the side of it in the last pic?

 

[The Grim Reaper]

My brother had something very similar to that piece that he got at an auction that ended up being an Incense Burner from Mexico and only a hundred or so years old.

 

[quito]

Interesting comment Steve.

My next comment and question had to do with something possibly having been burnt in it.

 

[hav2fish]

That was kind of what I was thinking at first but... they carved those out of stone? The size is 2 1/2 long x 1 1/2 wide x 1 1/4 tall. Holes are about as deep as they could go, so 1 inch or so. That is not a small hole just some type of residue.

 

[rock]

Very interesting piece but I havent a clue on what it would of been used for.

 

[TreveriGall]

Very interesting piece but I havent a clue on what it would of been used for.

Portable indian's altar

 

[Michigandirtdigger]

maybe you put your fingers in it and paint your face! War paint

 

[NorCal Gal]

I also think it's an incense burner... Of course you could make one out of stone! I can't think of any substance that would be LESS of a fire hazard! I actually HAVE a stone incense "holder" but it is Asian.

 

[GatorBoy]

I think insence burner or cigar snuffer..heat up the residue see if it smells like insence or tobacco.