Paleo Indian primitively rendered effigy of a scarab or some other insect or animal. Upon closer inspection the stone appears to be a petrified tropical wood such as palm as the grain can be clearly seen in areas; which also, if it was originally wood, would have undergone a certain degree of rotting and/or desiccation prior to having become petrified and fossilized showing areas of calcite replacement and subsequent dissolution leaving pits and small holes. On the other hand it is also possible this was carved from a fossilized reef coral that had also been subjected to mineral replacement and dissolution over millennia. Either way it is quite old. Estimated age 8,000 to 10,000 years BP or greater. Ex: R. Nischwitz 1950s, (purchased from the estate of). Was collected by Mr. Nischwitz in the early 1950s when he was an FBI agent assigned to the area of South Florida and the Keys. It is fairly heavy for its size. As is well known, Paleo effigies of this type are extremely rare, especially in the tropical zones of the US where such artifacts are rarely preserved. Condition as shown in photos. Dimensions: ~4-3/4" x 4-1/8" x 3-3/8". > 1000 grams. Please see the pictures as visual description of this item. More pictures available as needed. Ancient as-found condition as in photos. See photos with ruler and coin for size references. May have scuffs, scratches, patina, dings, bends or other types of wear from previous use, age and/or storage. AS-IS. No returns. Shipped USPS 1st Class or Priority to Domestic US and Global Shipping Program to Worldwide. ALL import duties & VAT are sole responsibility of buyer and are not included in item price or shipping. Shipping does reflect insurance for loss or damage. Please note: All surface anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics are inherent age-acquired qualities of antiques and are not interpreted as imperfections or damages. No returns unless GROSSLY not as described (i.e. received wrong/different item). Possible inaccuracies in dating and/or cultural attributions do not constitute "grossly not as described". Archaeological and anthropological interpretations and opinions may vary widely amongst collectors & scholars. The information presented herein represents the studied opinion of the author of this post who is neither an expert nor claims any affiliation with any academic or archaeological/anthropological institutions and is for informational purposes only. It is in no way meant to supercede or supplant any published, non-published or transient interpretations or any other information which my be currently widely accepted as fact. Use your own judgement and knowledge in analysis of the item(s) presented here for purchase. In addition, all surface/cosmetic/structural anomalies, inconsistencies of color and other non-uniform characteristics which may be present, are inherent qualities of antiques and are not considered as imperfections or "not as described", regardless of whether or not they can be detected in listing photos or have been mentioned in the listing text. Item is being sold AS-IS. Shipped FEDEX Priority Overnight only for Domestic US addresses and Global Shipping Program only to International. US shipping cost includes insurance. Yes! We combine multiple items for shipping discount where possible. Request total from seller at checkout from cart prior to payment to receive applicable combined shipping discount. Note: We will not cancel any orders whether paid or unpaid unless we cannot fulfill them for any unforeseen reason. Please be sure you want the item before purchasing or making an offer. Any offer made that we have accepted is binding and payment is expected for said item.
