NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACT SHOWS REPTILE HUMANOID *PIC*

by anarchtype, Wednesday, December 27, 2006, 16:47

the article itself doesn't delve into any possible paranormal explanations for this but the site i came across this at had this to say about it:

A bizarre find: A 14-by-13-inch slab that dates from the Mississippian Period bears images resembling upright reptilian organisms. Dinosaurs? Reptilians? Split the camps and let the debate begin. With sketch.

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Missing: one incised slab.

Collector value: thousands of dollars.

Historical value: priceless.

For the past few years, archaeologist Tracy Brown has combed flea markets and collector shows across Tennessee and the Southeast, hoping to stumble upon the owner of a small stone slab first discovered in east Nashville 40 years ago.

On the rock, a 14-by-13-inch slab that dates from the Mississippian Period (1000-1450 A.D.), is an artistic image that the ancient inhabitants of a mound site etched into its surface with primitive stone tools.

But the artifact is coveted more for what is not etched onto its face than what is.

"It's unique because it is the only slab of six found that does not have clear Southeastern Ceremonial Complex symbols on it," Brown said.

He has quizzed collector groups, questioned fellow archaeologists and talked to "just about anyone who might come into contact with this kind of item."

"It's like fishing the ocean," Brown said.

So far he's had nary a nibble.

"There's an excellent chance this piece of history is sitting in somebody's rock garden or on some kid's dresser as a trinket," said Brown, who is based in Oak Ridge.

Brown said the slab isn't stolen property, and he is not interested in purchasing it. Professional archaeologists do not collect, buy, sell or appraise prehistoric artifacts, he said. He simply wants to examine it, make some notes, measure it, photograph it and give it right back to the person who owns it.

"What many people don't know about archaeology is that the item itself isn't as important as how the item fits into the 'big picture' with other items found at a site," he said. "It's like a giant puzzle where you know you're never going to find all the pieces. So you try to find as many as you can.

http://www.fairviewobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061224/NEWS01/612240372/1321/MTCN06