Thanks for the general Arrastra info....I am familiar with the traditional exterior big arrastra as described. I was not familiar with the Hand Arrastra as described by Kenworthy in his book about Spanish death traps at the hard rock mines. The book was called Death Traps to Treasure. An almost exact side view is seen on page 52, with a description on page 49. The hand arrastra we found is only about 5 feet around and is hidden inside a back filled cave with an internal spring. The cup in the bowl shaped floor is clearly visible.
I am looking for information about the "Hand Arrastra" I am certain from the carvings and pictographs the site is Spanish. Until we have coin, we can only guess age from the alphabet used. Our guess is 1543. Some of the interior carvings are 1' in size. Some are only 1/2 inch. The exterior carvings cover over 3 feet and are very detailed. Almost all the writing is quite small (interior as well). 3 7's are visible on an outside rock as well as a lance, a Z UCA LQ, Triangle penetrating triangle (silver), upside down T with a circle on top (identified as a 1500's symbol for copper by a T-net poster) , a helmeted man on a horse lancing a stick indian....Dog at side of horse,(Desoto brought dog and pig to area so NOT before Desoto)..... Duck, Giraffe neck and head (inside) X with a circle around it , g54 , Q 4 divided by V5. Spermy type snakes , heart with stem and peacock looking feathers. (of course a pair of scissors, dinner bells, 1540's crucifix , triangle are also inside about 60 yards) (Schaffers book identifies the scissors as 1/2 church , 1/2 not.... and evidence of the Kings 5th, De Rey Metallica was helpful
This all began YEARS ago. The project has been the torment of my soul , as I am struggling to achieve site ownership. Looting is tempting. Former owners died, as have several of my original hunting buddies. Others are now preparing to tender competing offers, and owners are not cooperating with me fast enough for my stress tolerance .
Yesterday was more back and forth between lawyers , agents (real estate), and owners.
I am really needing info on others personal experience with Hand Arrastra's......., especially in the Ozarks.
Although we have found some proof, and symbols, and the hidden arrastra with the concealed spring INSIDE a back filled cave,
geologist say no hard rock gold or copper in the Ozarks. ( and yet the symbols for both are visible ) So the mystery expands.
I am a gutless coward, and don't want to sell everything I own and "screw the pooch" , so to speak.
At the right price I'm ok but things are increasing and I may soon have to settle for a book instead of the on site museum with proof
on display. I am also afraid the owners may sell to a lawyer (not mine), to claim the prizes.
Any sincere, experienced help is appreciated.
Thanks
Clueman
