Hello All
Found this heavy piece of carved soapstone in an antique shop up here in Alberta. They felt it was Inuit but I do not think so and I have not been able to figure out its function. It is well worn and appears quite old. I thought it was interesting.
About 8" total and weighs about 4 lbs. It has a hole for a strap / lashing that runs through it (not a modern drill hole). It appears to be part of something but it is not handle as it would be awkward in the hand. There is some brown staining on the top from use.
The soapstone is lighter in colour than most of the Inuit sourced stone that I have seen. Could it be African??
It is definitely soft talc-rich soapstone.
It is too soft to be a hammer or anything like that, but it is polished. I have exhausted my searches and would be thankful for any help. Thought it might be a hide burnisher but the shape is odd.
Any ideas?
I still think it is cool and I am happy with my $20 purchase.
Best Regards
Rob
Mystery Soapstone Tool??
Re: Mystery Soapstone Tool??
Probably a serpentine carving (aka soapstone) made in zimbabwe export piece... but since you are in alberta it could be some native american carving but I am not sure about that.