Super Rare Indian Stone Effigy ! (Mohawk)

[Artifascination]

This is a super rare Seated Human Effigy Idol made from a basalt hard stone that was found in Kern Co, California and measures 3.5 inches tall and is 1.75 inches wide across the arms of the piece. This effigy had a very defined face and a stylized raised hair piece/ ponytail/ mohawk going down the back of the piece. The features on this piece look like its sitting with his feet tucked under the body.

[willjo]

Nice piece, also some more neat artifacts in case.

[redrocks]

Cool !

[Jethro355]

Yeah. I’m gonna say natural rock.





naturally awesome, that is. Stone effigies are truly a rarity, and that’s an awesome piece.👍

[Kentucky point]

I think this one of the first actual effigies I've seen on here in a long time. Great piece!

[paohrocks]

Very cool

[UpNorth]

Very nice... don’t see them often.....👍

[Tam]

Did you find that ? I use to camp in Kern and there are so many little creeks and rivers that would have been perfect for hunting .

[Artifascination]

I purchased this piece from Mitch Lewis. It was part of the late Byron Anderson collection.

[Benji]

Very cool piece art....thanks for sharing

[sailorjoe]

It is a nice piece that you acquired. Have you had it very long or is it a recent purchase? Do you know what people or time period it may have been made? No Mohawks in California but it is interesting that the people there may have had a similar hairstyle to people a continent away and maybe (or maybe not) at a different time. Oh, and BTW, basalt is a lithic so you misplaced the thread but no biggie as we got to see it anyway.

[Artifascination]

Thanks sailorjoe

[Artifascination]

I have not had this piece evaluated for the exact time period yet. It was a recent acquisition from Mitch Lewis. The raised hair on the piece looks like a mohawk type hairstyle to me and was not trying to imply a specific culture or group. My bad for the confusion and putting it in the wrong category. This is the first old stone effigy that I have seen and wanted to share it with y’all. I was hoping some folks here might see it and be able to tell me more about it. I am planning on sending it to an archaeologist friend that studied and lived in that area of California for a while. I will update when I find out more. Thanks for lookin!

[sailorjoe]

I would be interested in knowing about what you learn. Then I can learn too. I know nothing about stone effigies from California.

[Cecilia]

You got really excited posting this, huh Art?! I got excited with first gander. You absolutely have the coolest stuff. (I actually remember what you have!!)

[Jethro355]

To the point of the “Mohawk”...it’s likely a representation of a braid. I’ve seen effigies in clay that had braids that were evident, and they were much more common and widespread than the haircut, I think.

[Artifascination]

Very possible Jethro... I am sending it off tomorrow and can’t wait to find out more about it.

[Jethro355]

I’ll be glad to see what you find out. That’s just a killer piece.👍

[Cecilia]

(With the exception of the owl), these little clay folks sorta remind me your new guy, as does stone pipe. Not Californians, tho; these all from Tennessee mounds. Hope you can see their great hairdos!

[Artifascination]

Thanks Cecilia! It has good provenance and the material is also unique to a specific postpile basalt column group. I have not found out anything more as of yet but will keep y’all updated.

[Hal Gorges]

I remember reading this but don’t know why I didn’t comment, it’s such a great piece, I was researching Mississippian effigys and I musta went to sleep or something.. Anyway, I think it’s a great museum piece, thanks for sharing.