interesting subject on a metate...

[chong2]

so i have a basin type of metate that was found just partially peeking through the soil, when it was extracted there were some charcol pieces under it which were also preserved in glass container to be carbon dated in the future, and matching mano. the strange thing about this metate is on one end, it is shaped as if used for a chopping tool, it has polish on the sharp end where the mano would NOT be grinding against it,towards the end and a little bit lower of the edge. also there is some staining on that side, residue? anyone else have expeirence with something like this? my thoughts are it was also used as a chopper for maybe breaking large bones...... any other ideas? feel free to ask whatever, ill try my best to answer each and every question. here are some pics, thanks!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rginn]

That's a cool find, Chong2. I don't think it would be used as a chopping tool; it was just formed that way from regular use. One thing we learned to do in Oklahoma, is turn over all rocks. Many times that rock would be a grinding basin. Apparently, they would leave them at a campsite for future use and turn them over to protect the grinding surface from the elements. Well, just my theory.

 

[Tnmountains]

Looks like a very nice morter to me. Maybe rough on the ends but still very nice. Rginn is right they did turn them over to keep them from pooling with water and cracking. Great find.
TnMtns

 

[chong2]

ya, true, but the stain on the edge and use marks..... ill try to get better pics, and here is a insitu, im sure its been moved over time, but was barly peeking out, brushed sum of the dirt and felt some smoothness and was like whoop whoop

 

[SoIll]

To me it looks like they used the ends for pounding on another metate.

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice find Airborne
Like seeing the diffrent hunting sites. Its like I am in a steamy jungle here and you are in a blazing desert. Neat

TnMtns

 

[chong2]

TN, Airborne

 

[chong2]

and yes, u are right, even with a boonie hat and a camel back i can literally spend only a few mins out there right now, unless its a major overcast , you will see some great stuff come this fall.