MORTAR & PESTLE, Embedded in Fossil Concretion, Point Reyes, California

Description

MORTAR & PESTLE, Embedded in Fossil Concretion, Point Reyes, California
Mortar
Length:  7”
Width:  4  ¾”
Height:  1 ½”
Weight:  3 lbs  5.6 oz
Pestle
Length:  5”
Base-Diameter:  2”
Weight:  1 lb  11.2 oz
On a recent business trip to the region I was able to secure another fossilized mortar specimen from a Santa Monica collector, who is divesting his long-held collection.
This is an astonishing clump of stone (a concretion) with fossil razor clams embedded within, that was shaped into a MORTAR hole.  Found at Point Reyes sometime in the late 19
th
century, this artifact and associated pestle were uncovered by an early rancher.
Based on other artifacts found on the Point, the grind hole in this stone “concretion” was probably carved into a stone that  geologically dates to around 400 million years ago (Devonian Period).  This odd stone represents part of an ancient mud-flat ecosystem where hundreds of prehistoric, elongated clams lived their lives.
Point Reyes, a prominent, windswept cape about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco, has long been a gathering point for the early CHUMASH tribes and associated groups, like the MIWOK.   Offshore, to this day marine life is ABUNDANT.
The California gray whale swims over 10,000 miles each year migrating from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja California.  Along the way, these massive creatures pass by Point Reyes. Other marine animals can be found in the waters offshore.
Over the years, very old remains of many extinct animals get washed ashore and embedded within the sandy cliffsides of the Point.
The nature of this assemblage, coupled with the relatively large stone pestle indicates it was probably used rather frequently to mix/grind/pulverize food, perhaps ocean fish.
Evidence of fire discoloration, and sand/water abrasion and minor dings around the edges can clearly be seen.
Over the years, various artifact/fossils have been found at Point Reyes, giving the impression, perhaps, that indigenous people sought out these precious pieces to incorporate them into their spiritual ceremonies—or to ensure successful fishing/hunting.
The assemblage has been in the descendant’s family until a California collector acquired it to then be transferred to this site, along with several other reworked petrified/ fossil mortars.
Chinks, dings, minor cut
s, fire discoloration, sand water abrasion.
Today there are FEDERAL LAWS against ANY collection of anything along
this and ALL National Seashores.   Collection of fossil material is illegal unless done under a permit from the National Park Service. If you think you have found a fossil on National Park lands, please contact a park representative.
The object listed was collected well before any overriding laws were attached to this region.  DO NOT PICK UP / REMOVE any item!
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.