Found in Austin TX--what is it?

[Ticker]

I should add it fits perfectly in the hand with a distinct pointer finger print. Maybe a lb. or so. That is my wife's hand holding it but it actually fits better in my hand (bigger). thanks

 

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[DCMatt]

Native grinding stone?

You'll get a better answer if you post it here:

North American Indian Artifacts

 

[Mackaydon]

Welcome to Treasurenet !!
I agree with DCM
It's called a 'metate'.

Metate dictionary definition | metate defined
Don.....

 

[cactusrat]

It would be smooth if it was a grinding bowl.

I have no ideal what it is.

 

[Ticker]

I would think a Metate would have a larger area for grinding. This indention is only about 2.5" x 2.5".

 

[DCMatt]

I would think a Metate would have a larger area for grinding. This indention is only about 2.5" x 2.5".

Try searching 'American Indian paint pot'. That's more what I had in mind...

 

[Ticker]

Seems like the indention is shallower on mine than the Google images. You could certainly be onto something though DCM.

 

[Coindetector123]

Maybe used for fire starting

 

[A2coins]

Nice old relic I would search for more artifacts there.

 

[A2coins]

Welcome to tnet also tommy

 

[Ticker]

From the University of TX Anthropology Dept.-----


Groundstone” artifacts were used for several thousand years, so in general they are fairly common; that one is kind of unusual though. My guess is they took advantage of a void left by a natural inclusion (producing the really distinct cup shape) and it was subsequently shaped by frequent use. It may have been multi-functional—it very well could have been used for dressing antler billets along with a mortar/pestle-type function (grinding ochre and whatnot for paint, grinding herbs for medicine, etc.). Mortars and pestles (some of which are impressed directly into exposed bedrock for grinding acorns and/or xerophytic plants) have been found in central Texas archeological sites, although more slab-like metates with manos tend to occur more frequently. In this area, I doubt if it would have been a fire stone.

 

[Reanm8er]

Nice find, very unique!

The coating on the inside of the cup and the crystalline rock composition around the basin looks like quartz. I'm thinking a repurposed geode into a paint pot or grinding basin. Perhaps a special grinder for medicinals?

Any details on the details of the find?

 

[mk4125]

If I see a large rock in the hand of a wife I will assume its a weapon. Go mow the yard...or clean the garage. Trust me on this one.

 

[Ticker]

Reanm8er, just found it in a field that had just been plowed while dove hunting Sunday. I am going back when the weather clears to search further. I'll post if I find anything else.

 

[Plug N Play]

Does look like a modified vug ... very nice pattern of human alteration.
That's a nice piece, Ticker.
I'd really like to know if it's flint ... can you make out the type of stone ?

 

[Hawks88]

Interesting find. Congrats

 

[Hawks88]

Welcome to tnet from Niagara Falls.

 

[Ticker]

PnP, It seems to have some characteristics of flint but I don't think it is. It has a broken piece on the underside that I will take a pic and post tomorrow. That may show folks that are more knowledgeable about the type of stone.

 

[Reanm8er]

Right mk, just don't choose the attic, no escape rt and a long way to the ground!

 

[Reanm8er]

Ticker if you could excavate around a bit you might find the pestle of equal esteem!

Good luck!