Native American Nutting Stones Matching Mortar and Pestle Eastern Woodlands North Carolina Piedmont Rare Double-sided Form

A fantastic Archaic or Woodlands Period Native American nutting stone with its original mano (grinding stone), with the base showing deep concave wear on both sides, and the stone showing signs of years of handling, resulting in its darker coloration. An exceptional set, given the years of use that resulted in the deep bowl-like impressions on both sides. Personally collected, in situ together, by me, circa 1977, in Oak Ridge, NC, approximately one mile west of the Old Mill of Guilford. (On what used to be a tobacco farm, and is now covered in condos. There were a wealth of artifacts in the area, including numerous pottery shards, so I suspect it was at the least a regular camp, if not more. Also dates it to Woodland period, given the corded pottery. One wonders about the quality of the required archeological survey prior to development....) Approximately 7.5x6.5x3 inches, with the mano 3.5 inches tall, 3.5 across the full base, and 2.5 across the grinding portion. Base is 4 pounds 3 ounces, mano is 1 pound 11 ounces. Appears to be a dense, coarse sandstone, but it could be metamorphic, in keeping with the regional geology; very heavy for its size, and perfectly suited to its purpose. And yes, I've used it to grind things on occasion; it's still functional as ever. A rare mated pair, and a great addition to any Eastern Woodlands artifact collection! Free shipping lower 48 only, otherwise contact me.