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Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center / Educators

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Is it an artifact? Groundstone Tools versus Natural Stones – Video

Have you ever found an interesting rock and wondered whether it was natural, or something people shaped in the past? Here Dr. Connie Arzigian talks about some ways to tell the difference. Check the timestamps in the video description to find information on different types of artifacts and similar-looking natural rocks, and what archaeologists look for to determine whether a stone is natural or worked.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.