Expert: Ralph Salier - 12/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: This was found on a ranch in Laredo Texas. It resembles a baby pacifier. Any help in what may have caused the rock to be smoothed down (nature or human) Thanks for any help you can give. Jason

ANSWER: Hi Jason,

This is indeed a very unusual item.  It does appear to be man made and looks like a small pestel used for grinding.  It may have been used to grind small quantities of "valued" materials such as pigments, medicines or other items.  Another purpose could be in the processing of hides where, when the hide is tied and stretched fro cleaning prior to tanning, this would have been a "knot" holder, but this would not explain why the one side was ground to such a degree.

it is not a pacifier.

Can you send me some additional pics, especially close ups of both ends and is it polished on either end?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here are a couple more pictures, I hope this can help. Thanks Jason

Answer
Hi Jason,

Note the apparent polish on the head of the pestle.  This is from being held in a bit of leather while in the hand of the user.  Do you have a pic of the other end? How close can you get while still in focus, and is there a way to shine a light on the "working end" so that I can see if it reflects off due to polish?

I am quite sure that this is a pestle based on this latest pic but seeing the other end will make it difinative.