Found in a river

[dingode]

I found this in a river in central Ohio, Delaware to be exact, about 15 years ago. I know there was lots of Indian activity in this area, but I have no idea if this is Indian or not. I understand, that there used to be some type of mill upstream a bit from where thes was found..

Any idea's?

Thanks,
Erin

 

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[silverswede]

Native Americans first try at making bowling balls?

 

[captain Jack]

The first prototype of the wal-mart smiley face?

 

[junkdigger]

What!? They made their jack-o-lanterns out of ROCKS!?

 

[irbaddadjoe]

Cant imagine any use for a mill. Looks man made. My bet is on native american. probably ceremonial piece.

 

[tracey]

It appears to be the first comedy/drama thespian mask..lol

 

[Ammietuar]

i know ive seen something like this before, and wanna say it had something to do with holding poles for an indians hut/tepee/longhouse inplace. i just cant remember where abouts i saw it (im sure it was in a museum, but ive been to so many all over the country i cant remember which ones had what in them)....i tried googleing it for about an hour and gave up after getting nothing. well any good luck, and hope that helps.

 

[AKiwi]

Looks like a weight off a diving belt

 

[wirelessworldinc]

Is'nt there another post with a big rock that looks like a face carved in it somewhere on this site? The rock was huge though. Mary ann

 

[Wetgreenie]

Probably just an extension plug :P

 

[irbaddadjoe]

I agree with ammiteur. Its to hold your 3 long poles together of Teepee.

 

[Tricia]

River spirit talisman. For safe journey on the river and an abundance of fish for food.

 

[dingode]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the replies! Tricia, Just wondering, do you think that is what it is, or just a guess? As for the teepee top, that would be cool too!

A bit more info on the item. It looks to be baked clay, if that helps.

Erin

 

[bearbqd]

StayPuff Marshmallow man's head!

 

[Tricia]

No, I was just kidding. But who really knows? Looks like a little face to me but that could just be coincidence.

However, it's too small to hold teepee poles together. Besides there was always a small hole at the top of the teepee for ventilation and smoke escape. The poles at the top were usually bound together with sinew or twine or whatever they had.

 

[Jolly Guzzi]

I actually came across several things that looked a lot like that. Ours turned out to be worn out cinder blocks. Is it heavy?

 

[DCMatt]

I was thinking "stone anchor".

But it would have to be for a really small boat...

DCMatt

 

[LuckyLori]

I can't tell from the pics, do the holes go all the way through the clay? If not, it could be a mortar of some sort. to crush herbs and spices.

 

[RUDY2003]

Petrofied pumpkin....

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I agree with ammiteur. Its to hold your 3 long poles together of Teepee.

All the teepees I have ever seen have an opening at the top to let the smoke out. The poles extend up a few feet beyond where they are lashed together. But I guess that's not to say some earlier or different styled shelter didn't use a central "hub-nut".