It sounds like a farm implement bearing.  The presence at the depth cited
could be by plowing to that depth - or more likely it is the result of a
pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) which has its principal burrow and storage
space at 40 to 80 cm below surface (feeding tubes are close to surface).
They luv cultivated fields (warm, soft digging, and plenty food).

Stephen P. Austin (CESWF-EV-EC)

-----Original Message-----
From: Marsha King [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, May 26, 2000 9:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Request for info on spherical iron artifact


A prehistoric archeologist colleague has asked me to forward this request
for information on a spherical iron artifact.

>>>Request from Martin Stein:

The artifact came from an American Indian village site located in a
cultivated field along the Walnut River in southern Kansas.

The spherical iron artifact had a diameter of 0.8 mm/0.31 in. and weighed
2.0 gm/.070 oz.

This object is a small round ball.  There is surface pitting from rust, but
no evidence of its use, or of any modification to it.

The artifact came from a flotation sample that was taken at a depth of 60 -
80 cm bgs from a storage pit that had stone tools and locally produced
pottery. This is the only Euro-American artifact from the pit, but glass
beads were found at two other pits in the site (one per pit).

The pit was used during the period from circa A.D. 1650 to A.D. 1750.  The
discovery of the artifact in the float sample suggests that it dates to the
age of the pit, although its relatively good physical condition may indicate
it is from the modern period and was somehow introduced into the older
deposits.

One suggested use of the artifact is for iron shot.  Was there iron shot for
personal firearms?  <<<<<

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer.
You can reply to me or directly to  [log in to unmask]

Thanks,
Marsha


**************************************
Marsha K. King
Special Projects Archeologist
Cultural Resource Division
Kansas State Historical Society
6425 SW 6th Ave
Topeka, KS   66615-1099
Phone:  (785) 272-8681, ext. 253
Fax:  (785) 272-8682#240#
Email:  [log in to unmask]
Web:   http://www.KSHS.org