Description: MONUMENTAL PREHISTORIC MISSISSIPPIAN STONE BIRD EFFIGY BOWL / MORTAR / METATE. Appraisal certificate from Barneby’s online appraisal service shown in last 2 pictures DESCRIPTION The container has a wide, slightly flared base. The shape is that of a bird, the pointed tail, the outline of the wings, beak and slightly indented eyes are seen. The interior of the container does show use. The bottom underside of the container has a long round crack around the bottom. I believe that the container is a mortar. The constant pounding with the pestle to grains, corn and other food stuffs have resulted in the crack. I believe the mortar effigy is of the Mississippian culture before the arrival of the Europeans. It is stated that the stone has a red-grey hue which does not show in any of the photos, what does show is evidence of a blue color. If rock sits at the surface, traces of red will be found. The light from the camera could have affected the color changing it to blue. I believe that the mortar is granite and the color is due to iron deposits in the soil. DATE c. Circa 500 A.D. - 1400 A.D. NOTES The various cultures collectively termed "Mound Builders" were prehistoric, indigenous inhabitants of North America who, during a 5000 year period constructed various typed of earthen mounds. The Mississippian culture was the last major prehistoric cultural development in North America with scattered extensions into Wisconsin and Minnesota and westward into the Great Plains. The culture was built on intensive cultivation of corn (maize), beans, squash and other crops. The Mississippian culture included the Cahokia Native Americans (Mound Builders). The bird effigy mortar represents heaven to the Cahokia Native Americans. DIMENSIONS Height 5 inch; Length 14 inch; Depth 8 inch This is a large, heavy piece. Approximate Measures: 14” long 8” wide 5” high Weighs roughly 7.5 lbs Condition is "Used".
Price: 4755.2 USD
Location: Pawleys Island, South Carolina
End Time: 2024-11-26T18:35:29.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Tribal Affiliation: Mississippian
Artisan: Unknown
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Handmade: Yes
Modified Item: No
Culture: Native American: US
