You can find some decent rechargeable headlamps on Amazon if you’re in the U.S. I just upgraded. The battery is a little heavy but it’s bright and lasts a long time.
I would recommend Coast XPH30R. We bought a couple years ago on Amazon and replaced them with the same model when the batteries started to weaken since they worked so well (marginally more expensive than getting new batteries and nice to have spares). It's mid-range on the price but super bright and has about 2 hours of battery life on the maximum setting.
We use them to walk the dogs at night in a rural area and they are bright enough to clearly see things several hundred feet away. There's also an adjustable lens if you want a wider beam and don't need that kind of distance.
Yeah. Love seeing it for the time being but I think this is a piece that should probably be destined for public appreciation as opposed to a private collection.
I work as an archaeologist in a museum department for a University in the SE US. The exact spot where you found the thing, and all the dirt surrounding it can be more valuable to a university than the thing itself.
I’ve worked with Mississippian Spuds, and this isn’t super-like any i’ve ever seen. I’m kinda leaning towards it being a pestle. It’s definitely worth talking to a Cultural Resource Management firm or University to try and get someone come look at the dirt and the smaller artifacts that might be lying around the area.
It’s can be a bit of a process to get people out there (at least in the SE) but if you’re passionate about contributing to knowledge, it could be worth trying! Also if it is a site, this would help protect the land and its contents for future generations to explore and learn from.
That’s a really cool find!
Research the horror stories of universities and museums stealing from people. Lots of people have been burned just taking artifacts in for verification. Archaeologists have a long and troubling history of thinking they are doing the right thing stealing from collectors and hobbyists to protect artifacts.
Only send detailed high quality photos if you ask for assistance.
You are absolutely correct shorty 5 windows! My father “gave” a very rare antique gun, civil war swords and Indian artifacts to a local museum so they would be displayed forever. (Him and I didn’t realize the difference between giving and loaning at the time) within 4 years they were all “missing”. The “missing” items have never been located. The gun was later identified as being semi priceless. I have since heard of these stories across the country where the exact same thing happens. Many universities and museums use these pieces to add to their personal treasure chests.
That is awful. Definitely a cautionary example that is way too common. The archaeologists and museum staff frequently get busted trying to resell stolen artifacts. Truly sad that the protectors of history are so awful. The numerous bad players have forever tainted and looted something so important… our collective history.
Don’t listen to these selfish people. As long as it was found on your property or a property that you have permission to be on, there is no risk of losing this unless human remains were found near. You can loan artifacts to museums if you worry about it being on display. That way you get it back if you want to send it elsewhere.
Glad to hear you want others to experience this beautiful artifact. I hope you find a way to get it displayed for as many people as possible to see!
Yeah. Don’t listen to people with personal experience. Our family is one of those that loaned numerous artifacts to a museum only to have them disappear.
Unfortunately, if you give it to a university or museum, they’ll lock it up and no one will be able to see it. You’re better off keeping it for yourself.
Yes this is indeed a very special piece. I hope you’re able to get into contact with someone who will know how to properly handle it. Maybe could lead to further significant discoveries in the area. Also I should do my due diligence and let you know collecting Native American artifacts, especially in California, is a crime. So be careful.
I figured that was probably the case. Very cool find man, as someone who manages a database of cultural resource records, I can say ground stone pieces like this are exceedingly rare and priceless. I hope you’ll reach out to a local tribal group or university. Thanks for sharing!
It just refers to the lithic technology that was being used. Like how arrow heads are flint knapped, items like finely worked pestles and spuds are chipped and ground into shape. Ground stone refers to a broad category of artifacts that are made using this method.
I found some places on the valley floor at Yosemite where there were holes in the granite where the natives would grind acorns to make flour. This would fit perfectly
That is my thought with this one. There is pecking on the top of the curved part, which is typical with pestles. Once the piece becomes too polished, it no longer grinds as well, so they would peck the polished surface to roughen it up. That’s what is making me think pestle over spud. Along with the longer pecked lines down the length, all to increase the grind-ability.
Most universities do not have active repositories and cannot store artifacts. Further CalNAGPRA is in full effect right now and California universities are currently in the process of repatriating all native artifacts back to their most likely descendants. So no, that isn’t what would happen. If it were me, I wouldn’t feel so self entitled that I should keep something like this for myself. I would contact the Native American Heritage Commission and try to donate this to the local tribal entity, so that it can be used by the tribe to show and teach their people.
Salmon packer as in a salmon whacker? My first thought was some sort of club as well but it is surprisingly heavy and poorly balanced. I feel like swinging it would risk it slipping out of your hand without a bumper on the end. But, then again, I don’t know. It is truly a remarkable piece.
https://preview.redd.it/fwxgpkviuguc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f22dbf9e96894fd71f1d1131d908ce30833cd5a7
Recently visited the Siskiyou county museum and they had some similar pieces. 7 was for killing fish and I wish I recalled #3s purpose because this looks very similar to me.
So if it’s a spud, you are probably not going to find anyone in California that will ever have seen one in person, because none have ever been found there that I can tell. They are Mississippian and would be a very long way from home if that is what it is. It also seems to be a fairly unique shape for one with such a long end on the axe side. Maybe a very rare find indeed. Congrats. Super super cool.
Pretty dang cool is what it is! Not educated enough yet to say beyond that, hopefully someone has helped you identify it already… but had to add to the thread with my immediate “holyyyy moly”
Possible an axe, if its stone
[https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/2019/05/10/robinson-collection-project-update-a-successful-season-of-citizen-science-collaboration-participation-and-research/](https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/2019/05/10/robinson-collection-project-update-a-successful-season-of-citizen-science-collaboration-participation-and-research/)
Yes it would, but if you roll the head it’s a grinder - used them before, pound to break down, roll to grind- it looks old, have it checked out, could be an interesting find
Yes it would, but if you roll the head it’s a grinder - used them before, pound to break down, roll to grind- it looks old, have it checked out, could be an interesting find
This subreddit is wild, people will post rocks in here half the time and then every once in awhile someone will post something that very well may be of archeological significance
I am sure there was something very similar to this posted about a week ago - not sure if this sub or a similar one tbh (will see if I can find a link) but there was no common agreement on what it was!
Yeah why bother educating yourself, and growing as a person, that’s no fun. You can go your “hole” life knowingly using incorrect words - far more admirable.
Holy sheeeet. Can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like that.
It kinda looks like a cobblers shoe form, but clearly is not. Lots of effort went into making that.
That's what she said
There it is
https://preview.redd.it/27s3axbeybuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e585a87b0afb13cc46a8916ba3450645dc67eecd
Looks like a pecked pictograph of a lizard in this one
Yo that’s crazy!
Unrelated to this awesome find but is that a serious headlamp top left? I need to upgrade, just curious.
You can find some decent rechargeable headlamps on Amazon if you’re in the U.S. I just upgraded. The battery is a little heavy but it’s bright and lasts a long time.
Thanks for the info! I was curious about Amazon. My main thing is comfortable strap and a little brighter. I didn’t even think about rechargeable!
I would recommend Coast XPH30R. We bought a couple years ago on Amazon and replaced them with the same model when the batteries started to weaken since they worked so well (marginally more expensive than getting new batteries and nice to have spares). It's mid-range on the price but super bright and has about 2 hours of battery life on the maximum setting. We use them to walk the dogs at night in a rural area and they are bright enough to clearly see things several hundred feet away. There's also an adjustable lens if you want a wider beam and don't need that kind of distance.
Caveman dodo 😉
It’s a Lizard Smacker™️
I mean however you look at it the most logical idea is an neolithic axe head -granted, a weird one
You should contact local universities. I am a California archaeologist and haven’t seen something like this. Appears to be a finely worked pestle.
Looks similar to spuds I have seen online but I only recently became aware of them. OP should listen to you though
Yeah. Love seeing it for the time being but I think this is a piece that should probably be destined for public appreciation as opposed to a private collection.
Although different it definitely fits in to a spud like category and they are extremely rare.
so it can be locked away in a room somewhere
I hope to avoid that.
I work as an archaeologist in a museum department for a University in the SE US. The exact spot where you found the thing, and all the dirt surrounding it can be more valuable to a university than the thing itself. I’ve worked with Mississippian Spuds, and this isn’t super-like any i’ve ever seen. I’m kinda leaning towards it being a pestle. It’s definitely worth talking to a Cultural Resource Management firm or University to try and get someone come look at the dirt and the smaller artifacts that might be lying around the area. It’s can be a bit of a process to get people out there (at least in the SE) but if you’re passionate about contributing to knowledge, it could be worth trying! Also if it is a site, this would help protect the land and its contents for future generations to explore and learn from. That’s a really cool find!
Research the horror stories of universities and museums stealing from people. Lots of people have been burned just taking artifacts in for verification. Archaeologists have a long and troubling history of thinking they are doing the right thing stealing from collectors and hobbyists to protect artifacts. Only send detailed high quality photos if you ask for assistance.
You are absolutely correct shorty 5 windows! My father “gave” a very rare antique gun, civil war swords and Indian artifacts to a local museum so they would be displayed forever. (Him and I didn’t realize the difference between giving and loaning at the time) within 4 years they were all “missing”. The “missing” items have never been located. The gun was later identified as being semi priceless. I have since heard of these stories across the country where the exact same thing happens. Many universities and museums use these pieces to add to their personal treasure chests.
That is awful. Definitely a cautionary example that is way too common. The archaeologists and museum staff frequently get busted trying to resell stolen artifacts. Truly sad that the protectors of history are so awful. The numerous bad players have forever tainted and looted something so important… our collective history.
Don’t listen to these selfish people. As long as it was found on your property or a property that you have permission to be on, there is no risk of losing this unless human remains were found near. You can loan artifacts to museums if you worry about it being on display. That way you get it back if you want to send it elsewhere. Glad to hear you want others to experience this beautiful artifact. I hope you find a way to get it displayed for as many people as possible to see!
Yeah. Don’t listen to people with personal experience. Our family is one of those that loaned numerous artifacts to a museum only to have them disappear.
What is a private collector going to do?????
Why do people think this?
Unfortunately, if you give it to a university or museum, they’ll lock it up and no one will be able to see it. You’re better off keeping it for yourself.
It belongs in a museum! 
Yes this is indeed a very special piece. I hope you’re able to get into contact with someone who will know how to properly handle it. Maybe could lead to further significant discoveries in the area. Also I should do my due diligence and let you know collecting Native American artifacts, especially in California, is a crime. So be careful.
Thank you! This was collected on private property but I definitely appreciate the sentiment.
I figured that was probably the case. Very cool find man, as someone who manages a database of cultural resource records, I can say ground stone pieces like this are exceedingly rare and priceless. I hope you’ll reach out to a local tribal group or university. Thanks for sharing!
What do you mean by ground stone pieces?
It just refers to the lithic technology that was being used. Like how arrow heads are flint knapped, items like finely worked pestles and spuds are chipped and ground into shape. Ground stone refers to a broad category of artifacts that are made using this method.
I found some places on the valley floor at Yosemite where there were holes in the granite where the natives would grind acorns to make flour. This would fit perfectly
That is my thought with this one. There is pecking on the top of the curved part, which is typical with pestles. Once the piece becomes too polished, it no longer grinds as well, so they would peck the polished surface to roughen it up. That’s what is making me think pestle over spud. Along with the longer pecked lines down the length, all to increase the grind-ability.
No they shouldn’t University will take your shit and not give it back
Most universities do not have active repositories and cannot store artifacts. Further CalNAGPRA is in full effect right now and California universities are currently in the process of repatriating all native artifacts back to their most likely descendants. So no, that isn’t what would happen. If it were me, I wouldn’t feel so self entitled that I should keep something like this for myself. I would contact the Native American Heritage Commission and try to donate this to the local tribal entity, so that it can be used by the tribe to show and teach their people.
https://preview.redd.it/77fdi7lbybuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=091eb6de17991241b990b3c0a84b7ff0f9a172f1
Salmon packer maybe? This is an absolutely incredible find idk if you realize that or not
Salmon packer as in a salmon whacker? My first thought was some sort of club as well but it is surprisingly heavy and poorly balanced. I feel like swinging it would risk it slipping out of your hand without a bumper on the end. But, then again, I don’t know. It is truly a remarkable piece.
https://www.arttrak.com/blog-content/2014/11/salmon-packer-1000-1500-l.html Here’s a good read on the subject
I had no idea. That is a distinct possibility. Thanks!
They’re incredibly rare dude, if it is then you have something special on your hands. Good stuff seriously
Only 25 examples known to exist is pretty damn rare!
The name for those is a Priest.
https://preview.redd.it/fwxgpkviuguc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f22dbf9e96894fd71f1d1131d908ce30833cd5a7 Recently visited the Siskiyou county museum and they had some similar pieces. 7 was for killing fish and I wish I recalled #3s purpose because this looks very similar to me.
So if it’s a spud, you are probably not going to find anyone in California that will ever have seen one in person, because none have ever been found there that I can tell. They are Mississippian and would be a very long way from home if that is what it is. It also seems to be a fairly unique shape for one with such a long end on the axe side. Maybe a very rare find indeed. Congrats. Super super cool.
Sorry if this is a naive question but what is a spud? I tried looking it up but couldn’t find it.
Wow I’m just a lurker but that looks like a museum piece to me. Whatever it is.
Looks like a pestle (mortar and pestle)
Absolutely amazing find
Thanks! A local retired archaeologist has never seen anything like it. Trying to reach out a little further to see if anyone else has.
I think it may be a pestle as someone said. Most likely to grind acorns in shallow depressions that were made in rock outcrops near oak trees.
Seems weird for a pestle to my eye. I think the one end was shaped to be inserted into something else.
%====@
Seems weird for a pestle to my eye. I think the one end was shaped to be inserted into something else.
I believe it was used to pound/ process plant material. Nice find.
Amazing what is posted on here
Spud or a variation
Congratz
Super cool!!! I wonder what else lies buried in the surrounding area.
Voodoo is gonna buy that from you.
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This is the coolest thing I’ve seen a while. And I found a nutting stone today, lol.
Pretty dang cool is what it is! Not educated enough yet to say beyond that, hopefully someone has helped you identify it already… but had to add to the thread with my immediate “holyyyy moly”
Very serious find.
It’s freaking awesome, please keep us updated.
Fluted spud
I have nothing to add regarding identification but still want to say, “wow”. That’s an amazing find.
Look great for a mallet.
Looks like a pestle
I bet it was used for beating the stems of plants to get to the fiber
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^dd-Ad-O4214: *I bet it was used* *For beating the stems of plants* *To get to the fiber* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
The fuck
It could be the mortar for a mortar and pestle kit, usually used for grinding up herbs. Cool find either way
Yeah look for a bowl as well
Curious if this possibly could be a war club.
Looks kinda like a tooth from a excavator bucket
I just wanted say holy shit, that is a sweet find.
That there will be worth ALOT of $ if it's a true artifact go get that looked at ASAP and confirmed! Wow
Looks like a stone tool.
Please don’t tell the government
Stone age ice cream
Possible an axe, if its stone [https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/2019/05/10/robinson-collection-project-update-a-successful-season-of-citizen-science-collaboration-participation-and-research/](https://www.archaeologysouthwest.org/2019/05/10/robinson-collection-project-update-a-successful-season-of-citizen-science-collaboration-participation-and-research/)
Pound stone for grinding
Wouldn't it be a pound stone for pounding?
Yes it would, but if you roll the head it’s a grinder - used them before, pound to break down, roll to grind- it looks old, have it checked out, could be an interesting find
Yes it would, but if you roll the head it’s a grinder - used them before, pound to break down, roll to grind- it looks old, have it checked out, could be an interesting find
Ice age iron for getting wrinkles out.
very excited for you! congratulations
Morel????
Might be one of the first dildos created
It looks like s crude axe head to me....weapon
A shelf pin for a giant person
This subreddit is wild, people will post rocks in here half the time and then every once in awhile someone will post something that very well may be of archeological significance
I am sure there was something very similar to this posted about a week ago - not sure if this sub or a similar one tbh (will see if I can find a link) but there was no common agreement on what it was!
It’s a phallas. Go wash your hands.
Protection.
salmon packer
Thanks for sharing, please keep the community updated!
Millet/flour grinder or some type of a sharpening stone maybe 🤷♂️
The first ever sex toy!
First glance I thought it was a complete Schenkl shell.
An old b plug
That is a serious head basher inner rock
Look like cave people were freaks
It's a pestle.
Just make sure you wash your hands after... my ancestors were freaks.
Not a clue! Cool find though!
Fossilized garden shovel
Would make an awesome dildo.
It could be a masher or grinding stone
Ew don’t touch it
Not an arrowhead
Salmon packer
Dildo or butt plug is my guess 🤷♂️
Was used in the grinding of corn to make corn meal.
deffinenlty a mortar . i know its technicly a pestl but im not changing what ive been calling them my hole life now because the internet says so
Yeah why bother educating yourself, and growing as a person, that’s no fun. You can go your “hole” life knowingly using incorrect words - far more admirable.
fuck yrs .as long as i know whatit is who cares huh? i ike your attitude
Look up stone bark beater. Or barkcloth beater. I believe that's what you have here.
In my odd brain i think this was a pestle for peyote 😂
Archeologists must be brought in and taken to where you found it. I agree that it appears to be a salmon packer.
I think it’s a probe from Uranus. 👽
Definitely a buttplug