Mortar or Nice Rock?

[OntarioArch]

Picked this from an old timer's collection: no provenance at all. I don't see any peck marks, any indication this piece was worked. Yet, it does seem to have a somewhat distinct 'rim' and certainly has an unnatural looking bowl shape.

Artifact or Nice Rock?

 

[quito]

I’d say it has definite possibilities.

 

[Tdog]

It looks pretty good from here. I'd say it's a metate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metate

 

[dognose]

It does appear to be a metate object used to grind grain.

I am curious, how stable is this? Does it wobble very much when pressure is applied in a manner used to grind? What is the base like?

 

[OntarioArch]

Well, dog, it's not stable at all. The slightest pressure on one side causes it to rock; the base is rounded. Makes me suspicious...
But.....if the user placed in into soft soil or a carved out tree stump... that would stabilize it. I am definitely 50-50 sure that I am doubtful about this item.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

If it isn't a Metate then it's missing a great chance to be one.

 

[dognose]

I think it is a metate.

The instability experienced in todays time on a table top is one that native American's would not have had.

 

[DaveSmith]

I have read the smaller ones were held in the lap which is why they have the curved portion in the middle on the bottom.

 

[OntarioArch]

It's going in my 'keeper' pile! Thanks for all the opinions.