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?
Looks more like iron or steel (encrusted in clays and oxidatation)?
Posted by: | May 11, 2008 at 04:42 PM
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.
Posted by: Sofie | August 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM
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.
Posted by: Charles Craig | June 30, 2009 at 11:20 AM
the side of it looks like it locks into gears. and also the cone shape of the gears makes me think it wasnt sitting the way it is in this picture.
It could have been part of some contraption where it was mounted sideways to move grain or some other solid out of a silo and into a smaller container.
Posted by: cilantro | April 28, 2010 at 08:55 AM