carved rock ? HELP PLEASE

spaced · Aug 30, 2005

I have sent to many "experts" and no one can help - does anyone know what this is or who I could contact about value?? It was found in a creek bed around 1910 in NW Nebraska. My Dad has passed away and I need to know about this rock. THANK YOU!!

Visionquest · Sep 4, 2005

That was the first thought that came to me as well, the way the top of the head is split looks like one of the asian temple type buildings. It is definately a sweet find. I think your sis should get it as well, from your comments, it seems like the brother is only concerned about the financial aspect.

-Mike

ac385 · Sep 4, 2005

Try here

http://www.omniglot.com/writing/index.htm

spaced · Sep 4, 2005

Thanks for the omniglot spot- will take me forever but i think i will find something there - will let ya'll know. THANK YOU!!

tailfeathers · Sep 4, 2005

Only one tribe had a written language and it was developed in the 1800s.Cherokee by Sequoya. It has some symbols that favor that...I suspect you may have a religious item that is in Greek...maybe part of a rosary

wag

tailfeathers

ac385 · Sep 5, 2005

If you find anything be sure to let us know.

Dreamseakr · Sep 7, 2005

My first impression is Chinese or Oriental as well. ?However, the writing dosen't go along with the Chinese idea. ?To tell you the truth, that writing looks more Magikal or Paganish? ?Very interesting... I'd really like to know what it is.

spaced · Sep 7, 2005

Hi - so far i think it looks like cherokee - check out this site http://www.enformy.com/dma-ls05.htm. kinda looks like my dude?? AC385 gave me this really cool link - omniglot but they don't have magilcal or paganish listed as languages. will have to look into that later -- you guys are great ! the most help i have had bar none!! i really appreciate it!!!!!

Bigcypresshunter · Sep 7, 2005

Is there more writing on the side we cannot see? If there is, could you send another picture? It might help solve this mystery. Do not give up.

spaced · Sep 7, 2005

there isn't any more writing on the sides - just the 7 letters that you can see. The only thing else is that above the guy's head there is a 5 point star on the edge of the rock. I can't give up - this thing is in my blood. Thanks for the help! the cherokee language has the "s" with the line through it but no triangle. bye4now

cryptodave · Sep 7, 2005

Good, you have found the main character within the Cherokee language. I would encourage you to look further into that. Are there any other symbols that resemble what you have on the rock? Just because you cannot find the triangle don't give up on that language.
Sometimes with nomadic languages such as the indians, you have variations from the common writings, so I am willing to bet that you are on the right track.
Good luck!

Bigcypresshunter · Sep 7, 2005

I also think you are on the right track. What about the rock. Is it indigenous to the NW Nebraska area, or from somewhere else? Try to find out what type of rock or mineral it is. Use all clues.

Cladius · Sep 7, 2005

Many people couldn't read or write back then could it be some ones mark, you know how they signed their name for debts or receipt of payment. Cladius.

Bryachris3 · Sep 7, 2005

Maybe this is just a difference in opinion with everyone, looks like it,

but that's not a bad thing, right? My first impression was it could be the top off of a bottle of some type of hard liquor, the part that is usually glues to a cork part that stoppers the bottle. First thing tat came to mind for me when I saw it a few days ago.

Terry In Florida · Sep 9, 2005

Looks like a stone to hold a Bow-Drill to make holes and fire, called a bow drill handle or socket. The face looks like he is blowing air too...

http://www.northwestartifactsbrokers.com/sitebuilder/images/Drill_Handle_2-234x204.jpg

http://www.inuastudio.com/Images/Sculpture%20Pix/Grandfather%20with%20Bow%20Drill.JPG

http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/graphics/Bow-Drill_Diagram.gif

ac385 · Sep 9, 2005

If you think it is Indian in nature then you may want to try contacting the individual nations that lived in or traveled through the area. Here are some that I found.

Otoe
http://www.north-ok.edu/sb/six_tribes/6c_otoe_4_4.htm

Omaha
http://www.omahatribeofnebraska.com/

Pawnee
http://www.pawneenation.org/

Sioux
http://www.sioux.org/

Cheyenne
http://www.ncheyenne.net/

Bigcypresshunter · Sep 9, 2005

Bingo--I think Terry got it. It's a handle for a bow drill for starting a fire. The face is blowing or whistling. I think he's blowing to start the tinder on fire. To make fire would be extremely important. What the star and letters mean I don't know. You might try writing to this magazine of primitive skills. http://www.wwmag.net It is called Wilderness Way.

Terry In Florida said:
Looks like a stone to hold a Bow-Drill to make holes and fire, called a bow drill handle or socket. The face looks like he is blowing air too...

http://www.northwestartifactsbrokers.com/sitebuilder/images/Drill_Handle_2-234x204.jpg

http://www.inuastudio.com/Images/Sculpture%20Pix/Grandfather%20with%20Bow%20Drill.JPG

http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/graphics/Bow-Drill_Diagram.gif

spaced · Sep 11, 2005

Hello again - thanks for the links - will look at them and forward pictures to tribes and other links - you guys have been a great help i truely appreciate it - went to clean up my dad's place this weekend - lots of work so tired but will get back to work on this in the am. - thanks again !!

gldhntr · Sep 11, 2005

if this was found west of the mississippi the triangle may mean tee-pee or home in cherokee sign.......gldhntr.........P>S> give it to your sister ..................

spaced · Sep 19, 2005

HI - just an update - PONDMN gave me a link to treasure hunters university a man named "hawkeye" well he called me and said he didn't know what the rock was but that he would like to publish the pictures in his magazine. Pretty cool I think - are there any draw backs to having an item published?? Anyways, I said I would keep you updated and that is it so far ... Bye and Thanks!!