Unique Hematite Item

[pointdlr]

Mooch inspired me to show a very unique piece in my collection after he showed the cone/boat/core. I can't take credit for finding it. It was purchased with a large collection that was found in Northern Indiana. The piece is broken and glued. I didn't break it, it came to me that way.
Description- Almost 4" hematite(not quite limonite, but not a high iron content hematite judging by the weight) piece. The best way to describe the shape is "spoonlike". There is clearly a bunch of work done in the concave area of the "spoon". The back end looks mostly like the natural shape. The lip of the spoon is round off, and does not show a sharp edge.
What is it?- Here is my theory, but I am certainly open to other ideas. I really want to see another like it, but I have not come across one. I believe it was a hematite paint stone, that took on the shape of a spoon as the "red ochre" was ground out of it. In my fanciful mind, I want it to be an actual spoon.
All comments are appreciated.
Regards,
Jon Dickinson
www.prehistoricartifacts.com

 

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[Th3rty7]

Interesting piece. Maybe a cooking stone / dish. You say it's lighter than hematite, maybe the reddish color in the stone is the result of heat / fire. Jmo, your paint bowl idea sounds more plausible.

 

[Tnmountains]

Spoons seem so rare but they are out there. I found one of clay. I think you are safe with your fanciful wish. Very nice artifact. Much nicer than pottery.
HH
TnMtns

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Very cool looking piece Jon. I can see what you mean about the material. It doesn't look like a normal piece of Hematite would look and does sort of resemble a piece of Limonite, but if they were grinding on it for pigment it has to be Hematite and probably just a lesser grade.

 

[pointdlr]

Gentlemen,
I should have been more specific on the material aspect of the piece. It is hematite or at least an iron containing rock. It does have a heavier weight/density than other hardstones, just not as heavy as some other high iron content hematite pieces I own. I am certain you could make red ochre from it. One problem might be that I have a new camera, and haven't quite figured out how to get the color right. Flash issues.
Regards,
Jon Dickinson.

 

[Swims with Beaver]

Heres a link to some stoneage spoons made from bone. Pages 140 and 141. http://books.google.com/books?id=a0...in north america&pg=PA149#v=twopage&q&f=false