Michelle,
 
Although the object is metal, it quite possibly could be an ornamental  
tile. I am looking into this possibility and will get back with you if 
something  comes up.
 
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
 
 
In a message dated 6/26/2009 4:31:41 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

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
>>      
>
>
>    


**************Stay connected and tighten your budget with a great mobile 
device for under $20. Take a Peek! 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100122638x1222405996x1201457362/aol?redir=http://www.getpeek.com/aol)