Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: bonsaikitten on 05/10/2006 16:35:44
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Hi,
Whilst walking recently (Nottingham, UK), I found what appears to be a large fossilised 'face' in a piece of sandstone. The geol. map of the area identifies this rock as Carboniferous in age.
The 'face' is humanoid, with large eyes and a protruding nose. measures 30cm long by 20cm wide.
Can anyone tell me if this could be ab early homonid, maybe an austrolopithicine?
Thanks.
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any chance of a photo?
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Probably Pareidolia:-
" Pareidolia, describes a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being mistakenly perceived as recognizable. Common examples include images of animals or faces in clouds, seeing the man in the moon, and hearing messages on records played in reverse. The word comes from the Greek para- – amiss, faulty, wrong – and eidolon – image, the diminutive of eidos – appearance, form. "
e.g. the "face" on Mars:-
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi24.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc23%2FSUEDONIM%2FMartian_face_viking_cropped.jpg&hash=cc4cceb1d3b0cf291191bff22bfc3e62)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareidolia
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Hmmm I think it's not so much my Pareidolia but your Paranoia!
It is DEFINATELY a human face as it has lips and everything. Here is a photo...
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffhss.byu.edu%2Fanthro%2Fmopc%2Fpages%2FExhibitions%2FKachinas%2FCasas%2520Grandes%2Fstone%2520face%2520lg.jpg&hash=ed74dd20a3fb54f840777c5470cbeddb) (http://www.edscientists.com/forum/)
Looks like a fossil to me, Robert.
Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceptic ???
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Is it solid rock on the other side? From the looks of it, it is about 2 inches thick. If it was an indent of a face from the other side, it would be a hollow shell, like a mask. It cant be an imprint from the side we can see, because the nose is pointing out, along with the eyes. It is probably just an early stone statue of, judging from what looks like a crown on top, a noble or king of ancient times.
BTW: It is GOOD to be skeptical. Its what makes us scientists [:)]
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I would engage you in a battle of wits, but it is against my moral code to attack the unarmed.
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Bonsaikitten, it's obviously an artifact,
(if it had been a fossil he must have been a really ugly geezer [:)])
But seriously, you should report archaeological finds:-
" There is a legal obligation to report archaeological finds found in England , Wales or Northern Ireland that qualify as Treasure (see further information, below). Non-Treasure finds found in England or Wales may have been recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by the public - see contacts ) and therefore documentation may exist to show where an object was reported as being found and whether it has been properly recorded. "
http://www.finds.org.uk/treasure/advice.php
This site may be able to help you identify the period/importance of your find:-
"The home site for this Weblog is:
Archaeology in Europe
If you have any information that you wish to post,
please send it to the address below:
weblog@archaeology.eu.com "
http://www.archaeology.eu.com/weblog/2006_07_01_archaeologyeu_archive.html
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Would you have been walking in a museum by any chance?
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I noticed the perspex stand too Dave, but I thought I would give Bonsaikitten the benefit of the doubt.
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wierd for once i have nothing to say...
NEVER! underestimate youth
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its still looks totaly awsome tho