Holes in rocks!

[alabama]

I have a few rocks with holes in them that I hoped someone could help me out with. Not sure if they are just geofacts (hope not). This first one was found on the Coosa River near Wetumpka, AL. I feel like it could be part of a bow drill by the way it fits so nicely in your hand and there are markings on both sides.



This next one was found in the same area, but further downstream near Ft Toulouse where people have been known to live for thousands of years. This one has a hole all the way through it and my first impression was that it is some kind of bead or net weight. This may just be wishful thinking.



Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[alabama]

If you look closely enough, it looks as if the back of the first one could be the beginning of an effigy? The two nodules at the top and left of the second pic have indentions that make them look like ears, the middle pinhole is an eye, and at the bottom left there is a mouth. Kinda looks like a bear to me. WOW my imagination is running wild, but I will post some closer more detailed pics of what I'm talking about.

[knife river]

I lived for many years in Millbrook (just a few miles west of Wetumpka). These "holey" rocks were pretty common on gravel bars. I found a couple on sites that had been clearly used -- one had good drill marks where the hole had been enlarged. Must have found dozens and dozens, though, that were just neat geofacts.

[alabama]

Thanks for the info knife river. So you think these are geofacts that could possibly have been used? Any suggestions on sites I can search since you are no longer in the area. Don't want to step on any toes though. I teach whitewater kayaking on the Coosa and I am in the area often, but I live in Auburn.

[Raymond G]

Sorry bud, they all look like geofacts to me. Raymond

[alabama]

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the comments fellas. MUST... LOOK... HARDER...

[joshuaream]

I agree with the guys... That said, if you are finding those sooner or later you'll run into another nice river find like you posted before.

(BTW, this post did not get stuck in the filter, so you are set to go!)

[knife river]

Alabama, I'll send you a PM.

[N2RKLOG]

Article in Photo 1-2 appears it could have been created by water drip action. Or, it could have been a tool because of the optimal grip shape with the hole centered so perfectly on a mobile stone, and less likely to have been under a drip spot for the required period of time like large slab could be. It may have been used just to the point of exhaustion of its functionality which was the small perforation on side 2.

Article in Photo 3-4 is likely a bead. Robert G. Bednarik, world expert on Stone Age art and beads, writes “Small circular objects with central perforation are considered to be beads, especially when they occur repeatedly.” The perforation on this object looks like a drilled hole. Holes this large, centrally located, on such a small pebble, argue strongly for human agency, despite the perceived crudeness of the object. Prehistoric peoples found beauty in natural forms and even used many fossil forms with natural holes as some of the first beads.

Beads and pendants

Article in Avatar Photo looks like it could be a “cupule.” If no obvious signs of use, becomes more likely.
Cupules, Prehistoric Rock Art: Definition, Description, History, Types: Paleolithic Petroglyphs
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/cognit...es/cupules.pdf

2 examples from Illinois you may find similar to the Avatar Photo at bottom of this page:
Portable Rock Art: Taking a new look at pitted stones: see the world's oldest optical illusions as visual, meditative, "mantra stones"

[alabama]

Thanks everyone for all the comments and to N2RHLOG for the links. Lots of great information on them. I think I'll keep these items in my collection and keep looking.