It reminds me of wax seals such as those used by the Indus people (e.g., 
http://www.people.vcu.edu/~djbromle/cartoon04/shobha/Seals_SR2.htm; see 
especially the second image), but those are usually carved in the 
negative to leave a positive impression and your bronze piece looks like 
a positive carving.  Perhaps folk art, a talisman, or perhaps even a 
souvenir meant to imitate an ancient seal?  Have you been able to date 
the layer from which the object was found?

Michelle

Missouri Archaeology wrote:
> See link below for images of the small cast bronze object embossed
> with unique writing or symbols and a quadruped that looks like a rhino or
> elephant.
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/39860575@N03/
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 12:20 PM, Missouri Archaeology <
> [log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>   
>> Dear All,
>>
>> I need help identifying a small cast bronze object embossed with unique
>> writing or symbols and a quadruped that looks like a rhino or elephant.
>> This object was found during a metal detection survey of a site
>> in Boonville, Missouri, which was occupied almost continuously from the
>> 1820s through the mid-1990s. An original single-pen log cabin is at the
>> center of the present house (and completely visible on the interior). An
>> early 20th century rear addition and the original outbuildings didn't
>> survive. Oral information suggests that one of the razed buildings was a
>> slave quarters and that at least one of the long-time antebellum occupants
>> was a slave owner. The piece was found about eight inches below the surface
>> on the rear portion of the lot at the spot where the possible quarters
>> stood.  If you are interested or think you can help, then send me an email
>> and I will forward you some images.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Tim
>>
>>
>> Timothy E. Baumann, Ph.D. , RPA
>>
>> Curator of Collections
>>
>> Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology
>>
>> Indiana University
>>
>> 423 N. Fess Avenue
>>
>> Bloomington, IN 47405-7109
>>
>>
>>
>> Phone: 812-855-0022
>>
>> Fax: 812-855-1864
>>
>> Email: [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Website: www.gbl.indiana.edu
>>     
>
>
>