Definitely molds. Possibly for pewter or lead and maybe even silver, although I'm not sure that soapstone would hold up to the heat of molten silver. Looks like button molds, but the human figure in Colonial clothing could be for just about anything, even a toy. Rare find indeed.
look down to see mold. Dang!View attachment 1167139View attachment 1167129View attachment 1166196View attachment 1166197
One flat piece of soapstone 3"x3" about 1/2 inch thick with carvings on both sides. Been told by many here on Tnet and others that it could be
a couple hundred years old. Found in Northern Minnesota. Nothing else was found with it so I am thinking it may have been dropped by a traveler during the Fur Trade era. Only speculations as to who and why it was made.
The human figure has gotten the most attention because no other carved ornament stone has been found with one on it as far as I know.
Thanks for your interest and time. PS: Posted again for fun and entertainment for newbies.
Yes it is a repost from the original tread named Mystery Stone of Esqugama Lake that I posted in the What Is It forum. Go there to see more pics. and yes I marked it as Solved.
Just to add a little more mystery. These pics of facial features were taken with a 200x USB magnifier. Very skilled and important creator. JMO.
Look down to see medal modes made from human figure side of stone. Hope you find the results as interesting as I have. Pretty darn cool!
Thought u might find this entertaining Steph.Sure looks like a repeated post...Where is the link to the original post?
Looks like a real close match and I to think that this mold is a Fixed Brooch mold. Thanks for the reply and interest.Its contact period or "fur trade" era. Looks like for making a human form and what I would refer to as a "Fixed Brooch" or "Barbell Brooch". There was a site in Northern Wisconsin where fixed brooches were regularly found, but no mold ever came to light. Here is a picture of what I am talking about. Rounded on one side, flat on the other, from a mold.View attachment 1274180View attachment 1274181
Thanks for pointing that out stef. got any thing else that may be useful that relates to this artifact if not then don't stress your self.Sure looks like a repeated post...Where is the link to the original post?