Native American carvings?

[CandiceTenn]

Several years ago, while kayaking, I found a rock that is about 19" x12" with what I believe are Native American carvings. I have had it sitting on my porch since. I would love to find out if it is actually carvings, or some very coincidental natural formations. If it is a native American artifact, I would love to know more about it. I have included a picture, and would be happy to add more if necessary. Thank you so much for your time!

 

[Kray Gelder]

Welcome to TNET, Candice. I would agree they are carvings, but not by Native Americans. Your specimen looks like mudstone. During some flood, millions of years ago, the fine sediment settled, probably in a lake with no current. Those carvings were made by aquatic bugs, crawling around in the silt, looking for food. They're called trace fossils. Later, they were covered by other sediment, buried deeper, turned to stone, then eroded out for you to find. Really cool, fossilized bug trails. A nice specimen!

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Welcome to TNET, Candice. I would agree they are carvings, but not by Native Americans. Your specimen looks like mudstone. During some flood, millions of years ago, the fine sediment settled, probably in a lake with no current. Those carvings were made by aquatic bugs, crawling around in the silt, looking for food. They're called trace fossils. Later, they were covered by other sediment, buried deeper, turned to stone, then eroded out for you to find. Really cool, fossilized bug trails. A nice specimen!

I agree with this assessment 100%.

 

[Kray Gelder]

I agree with this assessment 100%.

Thanks Grim, your affirmative nod means a lot.

 

[NC field hunter]

Grim reaper buys most of his finds! Lol! Find something expert!

 

[Kray Gelder]

Grim reaper buys most of his finds! Lol! Find something expert!

That makes no sense. What are you saying?

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Evidently someone who posted a geofact and got butt hurt when I told him so. SMH

 

[Kray Gelder]

Evidently someone who posted a geofact and got butt hurt when I told him so. SMH

Probably so, Grim. Like I used to tell some smart a-- sailor when I was trying to train a group on some equipment, "Shut up and learn." 'Course, can't say that here.