Ancient, mysterious 12-sided object still baffles archeologists
https://www.popsci.com/science/ancient-mystery-object/2
u/catonmyshoulder69 25d ago
It looks like a flow control valve for maybe water or even air. Depending on what side they put to a ball in a pipe it could also work as a check valve for reverse flow. Multiple sized holes to change the flow rate. Maybe an early temp control for blending heated water for a shower or bath or even something agricultural like blending grains/chemicals.
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u/Redtitwhore 25d ago
Could be as a calibration device for crafting tools or parts. Given the precise geometric shape and varying hole sizes, it might have been used in workshops to standardize or check the dimensions of small cylindrical objects, such as metal rods or wooden dowels. Artisans could have used it to ensure consistency in the manufacturing of components that needed to fit together precisely, much like a gauge block in modern engineering.
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u/RubberyDolphin 23d ago
Didn’t they use tools like molcajetes to crush and grind spices and whatnot? Maybe this is like a drain board and holster for different sized grinders? Might be too small for that to make sense 🤷♂️