Anyone have any ideas on what this object was used for?

[WVaTom]

I know what the item is called and who made it. Hematite Sphere. Adena/Moundbuilder.Woodland Era.Made from polished hematite. I have no clue as to it's use or purpose. My friend Kenny found it in Putnam Co,W.Va.

[Lady Britches]

Hmmm....it's hard to tell from the pic...what is the size of the object?

[robzombie852]

maybe a stone used for grinding. made smooth from years and years of use?

[JeffersWV]

Hey Tom. It's a fly swatter. Maybe a zit smasher . Sorry buddy, I couldn't resist. Happy hunting.

[WVaTom]

Hmmm....it's hard to tell from the pic...what is the size of the object? About the diameter of a 50 cent piece and between 1" & 1.5" tall.

Hey Tom. It's a fly swatter. Maybe a zit smasher . Sorry buddy, I couldn't resist. Happy hunting. LOL Very well could be

[WVaTom]

no signs of use as a tool after it was polished and it would have put red powder all over what was ever being ground.

Originally Posted by robzombie852

maybe a stone used for grinding. made smooth from years and years of use?

[robzombie852]

yeah i didnt know it was as small as a 50 cent piece.

[bakergeol]

I used to live in SE Ohio. Ironstone nodules such as yours are quite common. It may actually be an iron carbonate- Siderite. No I don't see it being worked by man- just a common nodule.

George

[WVaTom]

it is made from hematite and is a artifact of the Adena indians.

[Lady Britches]

Tom, I have no doubt that this is an Adena artifact.....its purpose is a little more difficult to discern. The Adena were a very ceremonial culture....the use of stone and copper in these ceremonies is well documented. There are several possibilities.....one being that Amulets and Talismans were used in ancient ceremony.....and Hematite has been associated with protection and strength in ancient civilizations for thousands of years. The shape is not actually spherical....more of a cabachon....and could have been used in ceremonial ornamentation. Another possibility......the Adena were known to use spears....that were cast with a throwing stick ( Atlatl ). This instrument was made of wood, often with a hook made of antler, and an antler handle. They frequently added a smooth, highly polished stone....of varied forms...as an Atlatl weight. Considering ancient belief that Hematite possessed powers of strength and protection....it would make sense to use the stone in their weapons. And lastly, it is very well documented that the Adena used red ochre in their ceremonial burials....covering the deceased in a red paint, and even so far as to cover the entire burial with it. Red ochre is a synonym for Hematite....if ground, it's powder form is a brilliant red. Native American folklore states that war paint made from this mineral would make one invincible. Some Adena pottery has actually been tempered with ground Hematite.
So, as you can see....there are many possibilities for your artifact....which, to me, makes it all the more interesting. Without knowing what setting it was discovered in....along with any other associated artifacts....we can only speculate. Personally.....I think it's beautiful in it's simplicity.....and taking into consideration the folklore associated with it....I would carry it with me as my own personal Talisman.

LB