Unknown artifact

[Audozer]

I wish I could take credit for this find but it was found by a family member in a load of gravel out by five points ca about 30 years ago. He says the gravel likely came from a quarry near coalinga ca but there's no way to prove that. Nobody has ever shown this to an expert so I offered to show it off here with hopes of some information as to what it is and how old it could be. Thanks in advance!

 

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[Kray Gelder]

That is a very cool artifact. It looks old and authentic, whatever it is. Ornamental. To me, it looks like a paper wasp nest, with depictions of the larvae etched into the sides. Good luck with an ID.

 

[Audozer]

That is a very cool artifact. It looks old and authentic, whatever it is. Ornamental. To me, it looks like a paper wasp nest, with depictions of the larvae etched into the sides. Good luck with an ID.

Yeah it's not like anything I've ever seen before and it is just plain cool. I wish it was found on location rather than the way it was, we probably will never know exactly what it is or where it came from for sure

 

[Kace]

It kinda looks like a Dreidel to me...Some kind of top. Just a guess...it's Very Cool!!

Kace

 

[arrow86]

You know what the material is ? Also can you see any lines in the hole thru the center ?

 

[Audozer]

I don't know the material but it is hard, almost as if it was some kind of fired clay. It does seem to have vertical marks leading into the hole as if it had a string wearing on the edges. Look close in this pic, you can see evidence of what I'm talking about. Sorry I don't have it in my possession or I'd take better pics

 

[ToddsPoint]

Spindle whorl. Gary

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Spindle whorl. Gary

Yep, what Gary said. Google Mexican Spindle Whorls and you can see all kinds just like it. Some are old and some are tourist items. I saw several for sale in a shop in Cozumel.

 

[Audozer]

Thanks guys! Any indication as to its round about age?