I found someone who thought that the two whole symbols translate as "heaven" and "big" but it's not a lot to go on.  Also, I was told that the writing was not "normative".  I also believe there must have been more to it in size originally but it has since broken apart.  I wonder, do you still think it would be a keepsake or fetish if it was actually larger than it is now?   know that it's rather large and heavy for a portable fetish or keepsake.
I would love to hear your thoughts.  Thank you, Carmen

 
> Date: Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:44:22 -0700
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: rock carved with asian symbols in North Idaho?
> To: [log in to unmask]
> 
> The size suggests it might be a keepsake or fetish. I suggest you show it
> to someone who can read Chinese characters.
> 
> 
> Allen Dart, RPA, Executive Director
> Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
> PO Box 40577
> Tucson AZ 85717-0577 USA
> 520-798-1201 office, 520-798-1966 fax
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> URL: www.oldpueblo.org
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> > This rock was found recently near Priest Lake, Idaho.
> > I was wondering if anyone has seen something similar or could identify the
> > characters. The carvings are raised, not engraved. The rock is hard and
> > fine
> > grained. I do not know how the carvings were done. I wet the rock with
> > water to make the characters stand out more for the photos. When dry, the
> > rock is a light gray I am interested in it's meaning and purpose. Could
> > it be a
> > grave marker? It looks as if the rock was bigger at one time but was
> > broken
> > apart long ago based on the smoothness and wear. I have been told that
> > many years ago, Asian laborers were brought into the United States from
> > Canada on a trail through this area, perhaps it was carved during that
> > time?
> > Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Carmen.
> >
> > View the photos at:
> >
> > http://www5.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=383329026/a=512041026_
> > 512041026/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
> >
 		 	   		  
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