Stone Lock Counterweight

Devoid of figurative carvings, this primitive stone weight from the mid-19th century has an organic, abstract beauty. The stone has an oblong, lock-form shape with natural asymmetry and two holes drilled through the upper edge. The holes have worn smooth from the back and forth movement of rope once tied through each channel, suggesting the stone was originally used as a counterweight, a boat anchor or a hitching post to secure one's horse. Softened by a light patina and gradients of wear that only time can achieve, the curious stone transcends its functional origins to live on as a sculptural form with strength and integrity.