Possible 'gaming stone'???

[Woodshunter80]

A friend found this stone while detecting in a corn field here in western Mass. It came from an area on a hill where native artifacts have been found before. Bits of chipped flint and 'fire-cracked' rock are common in the relatively localized patch where this was found. The stone seems excessively polished and symmetrical. The site is also steeply elevated and likely never part of the nearby river. So I don't think it's a river stone. ...Or maybe it is. I don't know. In any case, could this be an artifact? Are 'gaming stones' even found around in this area? Would I even be able to tell the difference between one and a river rock? Appreciate any input on the matter.

Thanks.

 

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[The Grim Reaper]

Sorry, but it's just a naturally eroded stone. It shows no evidence of ever being altered by man.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I also agree with Grim, natural erosion rock.

 

[exahab]

I am a relative Newbie to artifact hunting but am hunting with a mentor who has hunted for 20 years or better, Every gaming stone I have found and that he has in his collection are perfectly spherical like a marble. I know there are some that are not shaped perfectly this way but would believe it would be hard to tell one shaped as yours from a river rock if it weren't perfectly spherical.

 

[monsterrack]

Like the others have said it does not show sign on being altered by man, but who is to say it was not picked up because of it's shape to make something later. Since it was found on a site I would have brought it home

 

[tnmudman]

It could have been used if it is polished they may have picked it up out of a creek seeing its symetrical shape although its more of a disk than a perfectly round rock i have found similar peices and am convinced they were handled a great deal because of the polish and were they were found as you said it was found on a hill not in a creek bed .

 

[The Grim Reaper]

These Stone and Pottery Discs are considered Game Pieces by some people. You can tell these were altered by man to get to this final shape.

 

[NCPeaches]

I like it and think you should hang on to it and ask a local archaeologist about it. I posted a stone on here and nobody knew what it was and it turned out to be a game stone identified by our local archeologist. To be fair, even though your pic is real clear, it's still hard to ID some things unless one has it in hand. Hope you find more awesome stuff on that site!

 

[tnmudman]

I just wanted to add that im not saying the other opinions are wrong, it probably was not altered other than being polished by use ,and that is hard to tell by the picture. Also i dont think it would have value other than to the one who found it ,in context with the other finds frim that site. I respect the opinions of those who commented on this very much i have learned a lot from there other posts on this forum.

 

[reuellis]

I have used rocks for goals, bases, etc... doesn't have to be altered to be used. So we will never know. As to it being altered to fit a certain game, my guess would be no.

 

[Woodshunter80]

Thanks, everyone, for your input on this.

 

[jeramme]

I would have picked it up.....Nature can play some games with your mind...trust these guys, they know whats up.