phallic pestle?

kleach · Mar 23, 2011

I would like someone to identify this object and perhaps give a (rough) appraisal, if that is possible. I dug this up in my backyard about 5 years ago washed it in water and set it on my shelf, I will try to include images. the following are the details I can give: Greenish stone, 16 3/4 inches in length, approx. 6 1/4 diameter, very smooth surface near the middle with some slightly rougher tapered ends, one end has a groove cut in it. I was told by a man in town that it was a indian phallic symbol, but I would like confirmation on this and what use it had, rolling pin? pestle? or?? Thanks to all in advance, I'll check back soon to see if anyone can id this for me. Also, I did misstate diameter, I meant circumfrence, ty.

gollum · Mar 24, 2011

Did you find where to put the batteries?

Mike

pointdlr · Mar 25, 2011

Kleach,

Nice find. The pieces you were linked to are West Coast Phallic effigy pestles. Yours is a "grooved roller pestle". Although I see where you are coming from with the phallic description, roller pestles are somewhat common in Tennessee. Yours is longer than average, but they top out in the 24" range. They are considered Middle Archaic objects and date to 5000-6000 years old. $1500 is way to high, but yours could fetch $500 on the right day and to the right collector.
I would like to see some pics of the end with the groove around it.
Regards,
Jon Dickinson.

diggummup · Mar 25, 2011

pointdlr said:
Kleach,

Nice find. The pieces you were linked to are West Coast Phallic effigy pestles. Yours is a "grooved roller pestle". Although I see where you are coming from with the phallic description, roller pestles are somewhat common in Tennessee. Yours is longer than average, but they top out in the 24" range. They are considered Middle Archaic objects and date to 5000-6000 years old. $1500 is way to high, but yours could fetch $500 on the right day and to the right collector.
I would like to see some pics of the end with the groove around it.
Regards,
Jon Dickinson.

I knew that eventually someone who knew what they were talking about would reply to this post. :thumbsup:

I really had no clue and was just throwing out something with that link. Even though i'm just a spectator here, thanks for reponding to this. :notworthy:

ruffneck · Mar 27, 2011

Looks like it also could have been a plummet the way it is grooved on the end.

kleach · Mar 28, 2011

Network was down a couple days, so is nice to be back. t model, I'm still in Tennessee (east). Gollum, no place for batteries, I'm thinking..pendulum powered...

Jon..thanks, I'll make a couple close ups, no flash with better natural background lighting, gives better details that way..and to all thanks.
Kleach.