Yes, and this would be a very serious battle axe...! Almost too big for one-handed use.Very deep, uniform groove...some pics would be great.
I was thinking Net Weight or some type of anchor weight...I would say it's possible it's natural but has the definite look of being man made. I just don't think it was a maul which would have been swung hard and should show serious wear on either end. As well as the narrow groove wouldn't facilitate a handle stout enough to not break when used. What its purpose was I have no idea. It may help if the finder told us which state it was found in.
Natural stoneI would say it's possible it's natural but has the definite look of being man made. I just don't think it was a maul which would have been swung hard and should show serious wear on either end. As well as the narrow groove wouldn't facilitate a handle stout enough to not break when used. What its purpose was I have no idea. It may help if the finder told us which state it was found in.
comparative poster-upper of OP rock and similar rock with slightly different characteristics although possibly similar uses, if ever. just blurting this out there btw;
OT: dunno where the sparkles underneath rubbed-off from ;p
It just needs to rest in a fork pitch and sinew / plant fibers will hold it in place.I don't think it's a maul. The groove is to narrow for a handle. A handle that skinny would snap off. No wear on either end from use. Nice find for sure.
I have two such stones and was told they are clubs. I have seen some stone replica clubs some of the nations sell to touristas here (Oklahoma) so that seemed a likely explanation for mineThanks for all the positive replies, although as some have already mentioned regarding it possibly being a maul, I'd like to highlight its features of it being too narrow of a groove to haft a handle around it considering its weight, the lack of other marks suggesting it was bound with animal hide/strips of bark or other means to hold said wooden handle in place and the apparent lack of impact fractures that would suggest it being a hammering tool of sorts. The fact that the natives relied heavily on fishing in this area makes the notion of it being a weight much more realistic.
Glad to have spurred some discussion, nonetheless. Will gladly post updates on it or any further finds.
It’s possible a suitable shaped rock was selected, and the only alteration was the groove itself. But, in general, end picks and honing stones were used to fashion such tools…T_H how would they make such a tool. Would they use another stone to carve the grooves ?