Featured Objects 2: Mystery Objects
The objects pictured below were acquired as part of a large "archaeological" collection in 1899 and were originally catalogued as "balls of clay," found in the vicinity of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Upon closer inspection, they appear to comprise small animal bones (see detail at left) in a hard, yet friable, mineral-rich matrix.
Do you know what they are?
Scroll down for possible answers.
The objects are, from left to right:
- 3.6 cm long x 2.8 cm greatest diameter; 13.9 g
- 3.9 cm long x 2.5 cm greatest diameter, 9.2 g [portions missing]
- 3.4 cm long x 2.7 cm greatest diameter; 11.9 g
We think these might be old bird pellets or coprolites (fossilized poop). What do you think?
Detail of one of the mystery objects showing possible bone inclusion.