Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/28/2010

Question
Mr. Salier I found several stones ranging from 1 inch long to 4 inches long having faces carved on them from human faces to prehistoric animals carved. Some stones have 20 faces on them and some others are pretty extravagent with 75 to 150 faces on it can you tell me a little about them I am an avid artifact (Native american) hunter and have never encountered this except in one certain area 3 - 4 miles of area

Answer
I am open to looking at these items but would need to have pics of them to have a better idea of what you are talking about.  So, some instructions:'

1) the photos MUST be well focused and all photos must have a scale next to them, it could be ruler, coin, identified graph paper (4x4 or 8x8 squares per inch)

2) identify the type of stone if you can and if they are all different, do you best to discribe the type of stone you think it is

3) Since these are found in a small area (3 to 4 miles) in diameter, these may be of cultural significance to a small group of people and thus may be critical artifacts. What state and county were these found in.  I will keep this info private.

4) Group them in to animals, people and other.  And when taking photos, do a group then individual photos, also number them in the group photo and then using the same number for the individual photos.  

5) since these are dimensional, do a front, back, and sides photo and one with light glancing over the image  to place the image in high contrast.

I hope this isn't to much to ask.  You may want to do one or two and send them to me:

Subject line: face carvings
Emai to : rsalier@hotmail.com

I am still interested in seeing these items if you would be willing to send me pics.

Ralph