Authenticator needed - Red Ochre with fingerprints

[Logic2]

---Note: I modified this original post that originally asked for a hard-stone authenticator... to simply posting the pictures as asking for feedback on what you guys think it is.

I have a piece of Red Ochre (Hematite) that appears to bear the finger prints from it's original owner.
Rodent tooth marks may account for the really deep divots that have been removed, but I don't think they can account for the other marks... They are too uniform and the geometry & direction of the other surface marks do not appear to be tooth marks.

Look closely at Photo #3.
You will see a small indentation (not a flat spot) that is dish shaped (like your finger), with finger-print marks. The curvature and distance between these marks are exactly the same as a human finger print.
--> Look at the TIP of "any" of your fingers. The have the same ridges, same curvature and same distance apart as the indentation on this ochre.


This artifact was found in a rock shelter with a few other artifacts and has not been modified or cleaned in any way.

Thanks for any advice.
Mike

[joshuaream]

Mike,

I have to ask, how do you know they are whisker marks?

Joshua

[Cluton]

Pictures?? I'm curious too! Really??

[Indianasmith]

really. We need photos of something this rare!!!

[DesertWalker]

Whisker marks? Got some photos?

[Logic2]

Absolutely, I'll upload a few pics when I get home.

Regarding whether it's whisker marks or (brush) marks, etc.. I'm uncertain, but when you hold it in your hands, "you just know" it was anciently modified by human hands.

These marks are just obviously man made (in my opinion). I held it in my hand, observed the angle in which the ochre was applied, the scratch marks on the side that touched whatever it was being applied to, and finger prints that held it. It just made sense. Also... This site is not 1/2 mile off the highway, etc... It's a 1 mile walk through the woods and fields to a spot where I've never seen bootprints other than my own. The property owner doesn't even go to this spot...I inquired.

But, I've been wrong before and I'll gladly post it up for review as long as you promise not to make me look "too stupid" if I am wrong

Thanks for the interest.
Mike

[Panola]

I'm jest kinda wundering what an authenicator could tell you ? I'd call the F B I ----( finger-print department )

[George Looney]

Dought if their finger print data would go back that far Don.

[Panola]

Originally Posted by Logic2

I need a good referral on an authentication service for a very unique stone artifact. A Piece of Red Ochre (Hematite) that still bears the finger prints & whisker marks from it's original owner.

I do not usually sell my artifacts, but I'm considering to sell this one and would like to hear some of the advice from those of you out there that use (hard stone authenticators).

This artifact is real, authentic, and unmodified. It is a personal find and my only concern would be to make sure the capabilities and reputation of the authenticator are in good standing.

Questions:

1.) Who would you use ?
2.) Any special advice or special authentication service required ?
3.) How common or uncommon is this type of artifact ?

Thanks for any advice.
Mike

Number 1 might pose a problem ----

[Cluton]

1) Lol, DB is correct!
2) was it a surface find or digging?
3) we find alot, but none with fingerprints or whiskers!!