Site 1 - Pumpkinvine Creek, Paulding Co., GA October 2014 A set of rocks along Pumpkinvine Creek near Paulding Meadows contains a number of cupules.   These percussion-induced depressions have been called the most common form of rock art, although some had utilitarian purposes.

Boulder 1

Detail of cupules

Boulder 2

Boulder 3

Site 2 - Nottely River, Union Co., GA Various 2019 Four hard rocks in a linear pattern along the shore contain several cupules:

The largest of the rocks with cupules

Cupules on top of the rock

Same cupules (water-filled), from the reverse side, on a later visit.

Site 3 - Bedrock Mortar, Towns County, GA December 2019 These carved-out depressions were likely used by Native Americans to grind grain, acorns or other foods.   This one is interesting in that it has a typically sized mortar hole, approx. 4 in. diameter x 5 in. deep, as well as a shallower rounded hole of about 3 in. diameter x 1.5 in. deep.   A cupule of approximately 1 in. diameter had also been pecked next to the large mortar hole.   This site is on private property.

Bedrock mortar stone, with (from l-r) shallow hole, full sized mortar, and small cupule.

Detail 1 - Bedrock mortar hole, approx. 4 in. diameter x 5 in. deep, with adjacent small cupule.

Detail 2 - Shallow hole, approx. 3 in. diameter x 1.5 in. deep.

Revisit - November 2021 I stopped by with Alan C. so that he could photograph the site:

Mortar and cupule holes filled with water

Closer view of the two mortars and single cupule... There are a few additional small, shallow depressions on this rock that may also be cupules...

Site 4 - Bedrock Mortar in Rock Shelter, Towns County, GA January 2020 From his days with the USFS, my friend Sheldon recalled an old report from a logging operation in this area that mentioned some "Indian carvings".   We talked about it a few times, but didn't have much to go on.   Then he and Milton were exploring in the area and found this site, which may or may not be the "carving". This site was known locally as the Cat's Den   The mortar stone sits in the front of a rock shelter in a steep creek gorge.   Similar to other nearby locations, it features a "typical" full-size mortar, alongside a smaller, shallower mortar.   Perhaps that was a common mortar configuration here in the mountains.

Mortar stone, with rock shelter in background

Mortar stone Think "mortar & pestle" for usage...

The larger mortar (R) is "typically" sized, approx. 4.5 inches diameter and 7 inches deep. The smaller one (L) is about 3.5 inches diameter and 3 inches deep.

I cleaned out the leaves but left the rainwater in for contrast.

Sheldon standing in the rock shelter for scale...

I later revisited this site with Alan C, and liked this image that he shot.

Site 5 - Ivy Log, Union County, GA March 2020

We found what appears to be a cupule on a boulder near an old home site on Ivy Log Mountain...

Site 6 - Bedrock Mortar, Union County, GA March 2021 A friend told me about this site near the Track Rock area.   The property owner found a number of Native American artifacts near the creek that runs through their property.

Similar to others above, this rock contains two mortar holes as well as a small cupule.

The two slightly unevenly-sized mortar holes.

This mortar & pestle was found by the homeowner's late husband on their property. Several families of Native Americans lived nearby as late as the early 20th century. Stand-alone mortars are not commonly found in this part of the state.

We were told that this metate was also found on the property. I don't recall ever seeing one from this area...

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