SHELL ARTIFACT question!

[joyce]

I posted a shell I found around 2 years ago a few months back on a site where I have found artifacts in the past.....Was hoping to get an answer as to what it was and who made it. Since then I have been looking for answers on identifying it, then early this morning I came across 2 shells with similar design.
The first one on the left....A mussel shell spoon with carved design on handle area. The scalloped edge on it looks the same as the one I found. It is pictured in Lar Hothems book` Shell artifacts. Page 311. Is Middle Mississippian River Valley.
The one on right.....Mississippian culture Woodpecker motif shell spoon. From Mississippi county, Arkansas, with scalloped edge.
Last 2 pictures are of the one I found. I had not washed the dirt off when I took the pictures for fear of causing damage to it, but since then I have washed just the dirt off gently, and I don't think I hurt it any.
I would really like to hear what you think...Also if anyone knows authenticator for shell artifacts, that is well known and respected that I can send it to for their opinion I would appreciate it! Thanks, Joyce

[Steve Valentine]

Joyce, I still believe your piece is a Pendant of some kind. I'm just not sure as to the age of it and whether it's ancient Indian or something more modern. Whatever the age it is definitely one very cool piece.

Also, I don't know if I would mail it to someone for authentication if I was you. Shell is very brittle and mailing it could cause some damage no matter how well you pack it. If I had it there is no way I would put it in a box and ship it off. I might trust packing it for safety myself, but who knows how they would pack it for the return trip. Just a thought.

[joyce]

Originally Posted by Steve Valentine

Joyce, I still believe your piece is a Pendant of some kind. I'm just not sure as to the age of it and whether it's ancient Indian or something more modern. Whatever the age it is definitely one very cool piece.

Also, I don't know if I would mail it to someone for authentication if I was you. Shell is very brittle and mailing it could cause some damage no matter how well you pack it. If I had it there is no way I would put it in a box and ship it off. I might trust packing it for safety myself, but who knows how they would pack it for the return trip. Just a thought.

Thanks Steve for your comment and advice about not mailing it because it could get damaged. I never thought about how that could happen after it left my hands. Maybe someday I can take it to someone, it just bugs me to not know its history! Joyce

[comanche]

Joyce.
You can always wait until the next Artifact show in your area and Hand deliver it to someone that might be able to tell you something,,,just a Thought////c

[jackcrafty]

The first two pics look like pottery tools. A shell like this can be used in 100 ways by a creative potter!

[joyce]

Originally Posted by comanche

Joyce.
You can always wait until the next Artifact show in your area and Hand deliver it to someone that might be able to tell you something,,,just a Thought////c

Hi Comanche, and thanks for the help!
Once or twice a year there's an artifact ID show at Dickson Mounds, about a 2 hour drive south from my place, guess that would be a good place to take it. Joyce

[joyce]

Originally Posted by jackcrafty

The first two pics look like pottery tools. A shell like this can be used in 100 ways by a creative potter!

Hello jackcrafty and thanks for the comment... does make since that the first and second ones could have been used to add designs to pottery! Joyce