Soapstone/Steatite? Possible Animal Effigy?

[bmartin0693]

Found this in an old tobacco barn in Yadkin County, NC. It was just laying on the dirt floor, partially covered. It's a pretty soft material. I can scratch it with my fingernail. I think it is a type of soapstone or steatite. I'm not sure it was something made recently (100 years ago) or even older. One side of it resembles the face of a crocodile. When I saw it laying there that was the first thing I thought of, possibly an animal effigy also. Any ideas?

 

[vpnavy]

Interesting find bmartin0693!

 

[soilgal]

cool find!

 

[rock]

Looks like a preform but I dont know for what, sorry

 

[SCrocks]

Looks like it could be a bannerstone preform.

 

[bmartin0693]

I didn't say it but I thought about it being a preform of some kind also. I have had this in my collection for a while. I used to carry it around with me all the time, so some spots show wear. I'm guessing it is a historic age piece. The material itself being pretty rare.

 

[rock]

Still a nice discussion piece.