Yes, I agree, Michelle, there is a certain "Indus-seal" feel to the 
iconography ( see http://www.harappa.com/indus/37.html

and here: http://www.harappa.com/indus/25.html )

I don't recognize the script, but it's definitely post Indus/Harrapan.

This is a cast copper coin; my guess is southern India. Likely a local 
minting of a city- or princely-state.




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michelle Touton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: Help with artifact ID; possible association with enslaved 
African Americans in Missouri


> 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
>>>
>>
>>
>>