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Archaeology/stone tool

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Expert: - 9/9/2010


Question

stone tool
I found this in my yard while digging just a little for regrassing. Can you identify it? It is made of granite, flat on top and bottom, rounded (worn)on the edges, and somewhat square. I'm thinking a grinding tool?

Answer
Dear Beth
Could be a grinding stone, but natural processes can weather stone into such a shape, too.
This is more likely if you are living near a river and the rock is similar to ones in the underlying stratigrapy.
You need to have an archaeologist look at this firsthand.  Check with local museums.  If you send photos of artifacts, put a "scale" (object of known size, like a ruler) in the picture.
Sincerely
John Shea

John J. Shea

Expertise

Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (mainly Europe, Near East, and Africa during the Paleolithic period/Pleistocene Epoch). IMPORTANT: I do not give advice about colleges. I do not appraise the value of artifacts or fossils.

Experience

University professor of anthropology/archaeology since 1991. Dozens of publications in peer-review anthropology journals. Director of archaeological-paleontological expeditions and excavations in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya. See my main profile under Allexperts` "Anthropology" section. Professional website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/staff/jshea.shtml Personal website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/Shea/Shea%20pers%20webpage.htm

Education/Credentials
>20 years as faculty at major research university

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