As far as the shape of the stone I’d have my doubts but I’m not aware of any natural processes that would create a pattern like that. I’ve got some trade gun parts I’ve dug with a similar pattern. I’d say you have something but Other than maybe a pestal it doesn’t really fall into a traditional artifact category.
i am not aware of any natural process that would make those markings either, they are on the top and bottom of the stone very distinct. Do you think a pestal would have marking like that on it?
i am not aware of any natural process that would make those markings either, they are on the top and bottom of the stone very distinct. Do you think a pestal would have marking like that on it?
Extremely interesting. I think you have an artefact, although not a tool. I believe what you have fits into what are collectively known as ‘cone stones’. It’s a grouping of enigmatic Native American artefacts that we don’t know too much about. Many archaeologists believe them to have been used for some kind of game of skill, chance or amusement; some believe them to be ritual objects.
Perhaps both things are true since although they’re all loosely termed as cone stones (by us, not by the people that made them), some are distinctly conical with steep sides plus a pointed top and some are domed, like yours. Everything in between too. Some squat and dumpy, some elongated. Some with a flat base and some concave. Some highly polished (usually made from hematite), some not. Engravings are rarely seen. In all probability, we are unjustifiably lumping them all together as a single artefact category when in reality the different types may have had different purposes which may also have varied by region. Certainly, they’re not common.
It has been proposed that the resemblance of shape to tipis/wigwams in some cases may not be coincidental, although it’s not a widely held view. Those found in Caddoan areas (which historically includes Louisiana of course) with a domed form are believed by some to be representations of or inspired by the ‘beehive’ huts constructed by these people. That still doesn’t tell us what function they had though.
