Ancient artifact or just another rock? ATOT, you make the call.

[SunnyD]

My older son was playing out in my "extended" back yard and I went to go see what he was up to. He was playing with his rock "collection" (we won't let him bring rocks in the house, cause he'd bring like dozens in per day if it were allowed). So he was showing off his assortment of ... earth. He happened to have this one in his hand as he was explaining all the other, generally uninteresting, rocks to me:

another view:

It appears to be flint. Note what appears to be a worked edge in the first picture. It's fairly sharp, about 3" long. The back side is extremely smooth. I'm thinking possibly part of a blade of some sort. Maybe spear or some sort of tool.

What say you, ATOT?

 

[Matthiasa]

I am going to vote a not so ancient artifact. 😛

Also if asking a this or that type question a poll is good.

 

[Imp]

Looks like it's been worked. From my entire 1/4 semester of intro to anthropology, which included archaeology, looks like it's the main stone they used to make smaller pieces, or one big piece... Brought to you from out of my ass.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_tool

 

[lxskllr]

It looks like something to me, but I'm ignorant regarding stone tools.

 

[sandorski]

Could be something. Might be worth a trip to the local Archeological dept at a University. Could E-Mail a pic first or something.

 

[edro]

That definitely looks like a worked edge to me.

Arrow heads aren't worth that much unless they are perfectly shaped or extremely ancient.
There are literally millions of them.

 

[KeithTalent]

Fossilized sweet potato.

KT

 

[DaTT]

The hardened liver of an Irishman?

 

[SKORPI0]

Cave woman dildo. D:

 

[JJChicken]

Cave woman dildo. D:

This is the only logical conclusion.

 

[zzuupp]

hand axe?

 

[Imp]

By the way... if it really is a real "artifact" of Native American origin, then you may be breaking some law about archaeology and cultural preservation. And someone may want to dig the area up.

 

[zinfamous]

it does look like it has been worked. attempt at a Spearhead?

We have a lake house at the NC/VA border, which is on a man-made lake. After a few hours scouring the same point, time and time again, you could generally come back with a few arrowheads and such, crafted by Native Americans. Our collection box was pretty big, considering the small area. We even had a spearhead and a grinding stone.

 

[Miramonti]

Given what appears to be increased chiseling on the edges, I'd say that's old. Could be a native american effort, not necessarily ancient.

 

[zinfamous]

Looks like it's been worked. From my entire 1/4 semester of intro to anthropology, which included archaeology, looks like it's the main stone they used to make smaller pieces, or one big piece... Brought to you from out of my ass.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_tool

I am intrigued by your "Out of My Ass" newsletter, and would like to subscribe.

 

[Doppel]

I think it is worked, though possibly by a kid before you lived there...show a professional locally!

 

[feralkid]

By the way... if it really is a real "artifact" of Native American origin, then you may be breaking some law about archaeology and cultural preservation. And someone may want to dig the area up.

This also from out of your ass?

 

[BladeVenom]

Looks like it was made by a newb. Most examples I've seen look better than that.

 

[Imp]

This also from out of your ass?

Half... I just don't know what OP's local laws are, and more importantly, how much power the local Native American groups have. The ones here have quite a bit of power and hold up construction projects all the time. Some sites are "ancient burial grounds" and lawyers sue to have them protected.

Here we go:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tips/indianartifacts.html