Ancient Ceramic Archimedes Screw Found

Below is a picture of a strange technology, that maybe some smart person can identify.  This is what appears to be a clay or ceramic Archimedes Screw.  This is one of several pieces of the devices, which were bound together.  They were found on a bluff overlooking the Savannah river, about 10 miles upstream.  There  was a settlement of people from Austria in the area who immigrated to the region in starting in about 1730.   They made a settlement about 100 yards from the river.

By the shape of it I am guessing it is an Archimedes screw, presumably made to lift water.  How would something this heavy be supported for turning?  I wonder if anyone has heard of ceramic screws of this type being made in Austria or anywhere else?

Comments

Looks more like iron or steel (encrusted in clays and oxidatation)?

[Sofie]

this looks more like a piece of wood that has been carved to me, but i have not actually seen it upclose so i cannot say.

[e]

hello

[Charles Craig]

Since it is so heavy is there any chance it was supposed to be stationary? It stayed still while the water went 'round and 'round. For what reason I would have no idea.