Wampanoag Necklace Charm?

[b2v]

I found this in an area of Massachusetts known to have had Native American presence. I am intrigued by the hole made into the stone. Could it be a broken portion of a Native American neck charm/medallion? Thanks in advance.

 

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[The Grim Reaper]

Welcome aboard. Glad to have you with us.

From what I can see in your photos I would say it's most likely natural and a fossil eroding out to form the hole. There are some members from up your way so hopefully they will chime in and give their opinions.j

 

[Charl]

Well, you're definitely not far from me. I've collected fossils from this area my whole life, and that does not look like the type of rock we find fossils in. I'm unsure of what type of rock it is. It's possibly soapstone, but the hole looks a little funky, and more of a natural hole then the repair holes sometimes seen in soapstone sherds, which would show biconical drilling. If you can ever get down to the Robbins Museum in Middleborough, bring it along and someone who can hold it in hand can give you a better call then I can by photos alone. If it feels soapy or greasy, it might be soapstone. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[arrow86]

If you take some well lit pics of the hole it may be helpful to tell if it’s drilled or not but from what’s visible it looks too rough to be drilled

 

[Rookster]

Welcome to Tnet from Mississippi.

 

[b2v]

I will try Charl. It was found on a dirt road by a lake while on my paper route about 30 years ago. It seems to be granite or similar.

 

[b2v]

Thank you for the welcome Grim and Rook. Arrow 86, I've attached more photos. It was embedded in the dirt road and seems to have dirt built up around the hole. I should probably soak it in water for a better view of the hole.

 

[b2v]

Two More

 

[unclemac]

very nice close ups... does not look drilled.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Well, you're definitely not far from me. I've collected fossils from this area my whole life, and that does not look like the type of rock we find fossils in. I'm unsure of what type of rock it is. It's possibly soapstone, but the hole looks a little funky, and more of a natural hole then the repair holes sometimes seen in soapstone sherds, which would show biconical drilling. If you can ever get down to the Robbins Museum in Middleborough, bring it along and someone who can hold it in hand can give you a better call then I can by photos alone. If it feels soapy or greasy, it might be soapstone. Sorry I can't be of more help.

What I could see on my phone it looked like Limestone with white fossils in it. Now that I see it on my IPad it may be soapstone. That hole still looks natural to me though.

 

[Charl]

Based on the map showing where it was found, it's not far from the Conklin limestone quarry in Limerock, RI, but the limestone from there really doesn't resemble that piece. The additional photos does make it look more along the lines of a rock from the granitic suite, as the OP speculated, and the hole looks natural. I'm curious how the hole formed, you really would not expect that in granite, so, despite appearances it's more likely a softer rock, but I can't speculate beyond that. From that area of Ma, the fossils are Carboniferous flora and fauna in shale, and it's not shale.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Looks natural BUT...the patina in the hole is completely different from the outside patina. I'd say it could possible be drilled. Unsure. Gary

 

[b2v]

Based on the map showing where it was found, it's not far from the Conklin limestone quarry in Limerock, RI, but the limestone from there really doesn't resemble that piece. The additional photos does make it look more along the lines of a rock from the granitic suite, as the OP speculated, and the hole looks natural. I'm curious how the hole formed, you really would not expect that in granite, so, despite appearances it's more likely a softer rock, but I can't speculate beyond that. From that area of Ma, the fossils are Carboniferous flora and fauna in shale, and it's not shale.

Hi Charl, I am going to try and make it down to you tomorrow. I found it in North Attleboro near Bungay lake. If it is of significance, I will leave it with you and your museam.

 

[Charl]

Hi Charl, I am going to try and make it down to you tomorrow. I found it in North Attleboro near Bungay lake. If it is of significance, I will leave it with you and your museam.

Yes, the Robbins Museum is open Wed. and Sat. But, I am not associated with the museum. It was just a recommendation as to where you could have someone knowledgeable examine it in hand. You will enjoy the museum. Best collection of New England artifacts on display in our region.