Prehistoric stone tool

I got this at a high end estate sale in Maryland. Got several items but this one caught my eye as I see tool marks and it was apparently listed in some kind of data base. If anyone can help I would really love to know where it was found. The number written on object is "8731-C". I believe.

 

Perhaps it's the remains of a scoop of some sort.

 

The tool marks on the nub are made to cup in hand. Was thinking a mortar or hide scraper. Really like to know where it is documented.

 

That numbering is not consistent for an actual archaeological site in the US, at least not anything recent. Most of the US (including Maryland) uses a code, first numbers designating the State (some variations) then letter codes for the county followed by the site number in order of when the site was registered within that county. That is often followed by additional numbers or codes with more specific designations. You can see about it here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_trinomial

Where I live, for example, a site number would look something like 44FQ0156. That would be 44 (Virginia) FQ (Fauquier County) 0156 (the 156th site registered in the county). Additional number or codes could follow.

Someone could have shorthanded it but that would make it challenging to identify..
It also could just be a collector. I have many of my things numbered and cataloged using my own numbering system . Possibly a museum that has their own system etc.

 

Not knowing anything about archaeological notation, and too lazy to research, but would they write this code directly on the artifact? Seems a like an amateur move to me, but like I said, I'm clueless on this type of thing.

 

They definitely do write on artifacts. Often a layer of removable clear then india ink (similar) writing and top coated with another clear layer. Sometimes so tiny it's incredible.

 

Maryland has a great resource in the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. They may be able to identify it for you or guide you to who can.

https://jefpat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

 

Having worked with a collection that included archeological material collected over 100 years ago, I can say you will see a variety of cataloging methods used by individual collectors and museums. And yes, unfortunately, many numbers have been inked directly onto artifacts. As professional museum practices developed, they have tried to achieve the contradictory goals of applying a permanent identification number without permanently defacing the objects, using systems such as say_it_slowly described.

Archeology has lagged in such standards, as much of the work has to be done in the field.

 

Is it (looks like, to me) pink granite?

 

Where would that type granite be?

 

I am without a clue about that...sorry!

 

Woodstock Granite..... a pinkish-toned, coarse-grained, gray granitic rock that was quarried near the town of Granite in Baltimore and Howard counties. This rock was first quarried in 1832 and was used intermittently until the 1920's. It was employed as a monument stone as well as being used for building exteriors. Buildings made from this stone include: parts of the Capitol building and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Baltimore Customs House, and the old Baltimore County Court House. Many curbstones, paving blocks and bridges are made of this stone.
http://www.mgs.md.gov/geology/build...ranite.....,being used for building exteriors.

 

Well I did aquire in Maryland.

 

Would you recognize old soapstone/steatite? If you run your fingers over it does it feel sort of soapy?

 

Feels like hard cold rock. It doesn't feel like it has a film on it if that is what you mean.

 

It was a thought, (I'd say vaguely waxy feeling when you rub it, sometimes.) It sort of looks like a lug handle. Here a a few bowl bits from a lecture though I didn't actually listen to this one.




https://www.cecildaily.com/our_ceci...cle_4a4894c6-75a5-50a1-ad1d-36d39f7c7ba5.html

 

It looks exactly like that and I got it at an estate in North East Maryland in Cecil County. Thank you I would like to see a close up of the lugs to see if similar tool marks.

 

Here is a photo from different context though not very good. Having someone look at it would probably be your best bet.



https://www.researchgate.net/public...uarries_in_the_Lower_Susquehanna_River_Valley

 

Be carefull with "Prehistoric stoneage tool".
Not all stone-age tools are "prehistoric". Some are even no more then 100-150 years old, depending on area/country/folk.
Native American used stone tools (arrow heads f.i.) up to 1500 or so?

If this is a tool it's old as it then has a wind patine (surface for ages). But the marks can also be frost damage?
You see hit bumps or waves?

Can't say a lot as i'm only familiar with European stoneage.
I would try to find the report as there you'll find your answer. Reported = determinated.
Start searching local (archeolog, museum).

 

I'm not sure what ypu mean "hit bumps or waves"