ceramic head?

[garyc]

I found this on the Brazos River in Texas. It feels ceramic. Can anyone tell me if this is authentic or a modern decor piece? It's about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. Thanks!

[chase]

Can't tell if it is old but south American in origin

[sailorjoe]

That is a very interesting piece for sure. Will you provide us some info as to its size? Like another photo with a quarter coin beside it. And I know you did not find it" on the river". The Brazos River is not a small creek. So without giving us any site specific information will you give us something that can provide us a bit more detail about where you found it? And if you found other artifacts in association with it that may also be helpful. Yes, a dandy piece for sure and one that most of us on this forum never can collect.

[garyc]

I found it while fossil hunting on a gravel bar. SE Texas. No other artifacts found. Thanks for the input!

[sailorjoe]

Thanks much for the additional photo. I'm no authority at all about pieces like that but I think I'll try to do a little research. It does look like something from some of the cultures south of the border. Perhaps someone else on the forum can be of some real help to you.

[Worldman304]

I Know nothing about these things.but it's absolutely fascinating. I know South Americn civilizations traveled north,but wow I'd figure it's really rare to find something like that in tx..ill be watching the threads.thanks for sharing that gem

[Scorpion68]

Like the rest Gary, I'm not knowledgeable about this type of artifact but the concave back would lead me to believe it was attached to something ?

[Worldman304]

Wonder if they decorated walking sticks or something like that.if it fit on something maybe could be..just a random thought

[Hoss]

I doubt it is old but could be wrong. It bears a slight resembelance to Pre Cloumbian Terra Cotta Heads I have seen but those looked to be sculpted and yours looks like it was out of a mold.

[Tam]

Has more of a Myan look then Aztec in culture . But the true test is going to be in someone looking at the material to see what it is made out of , then dating that material . That’s how you will knock out replica in this case .
Hold on to it till that opputuntiy in a show or relic pro looks at it . You can figure out the culture but the authentication will be your key , not to mention a timeline .
very cool piece .

[Havenhunter]

The bellarmine jugs dating back to the 16th & 17thc had the faces carved into the clay, not attached as an adornment. Looks post-contact but don't think the origin is North American.

[garyc]

Just wanted to give an update. I brought this piece to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and was told that it appears authentic, handmade from a soft clay. What it was doing in the Brazos river will remain a mystery.

[Havenhunter]

Yes, but authentic what? Did they give you a timeframe and/or likely culture who made it?

[Tam]

Oh great , so glad you did that .
Ciolbon the update .
Did they give you any other additional information like era
What did they tell you about it ?

[Worldman304]

that's so awesome,im also curious what they told ya as far as timeframe.and culture that's so fascinating thanks for sharing