The Cup Stone

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On the grounds of the Portsmouth Historical Society between the Old Town Hall and Southermost Schoolhouse is what seems to be just a large boulder.

cupstone

Upon closer examination, one will notice that this boulder has six man-made cut holes throughout the top of the stone. The holes range from 2½ to 3¼ inches in depth. This boulder is in fact believed to be an American Indian cup stone and was moved to its present location in 1991.

The stone is thought to represent the Big Dipper. A seventh hole has since significantly weathered. Lines or channels appear to connect all seven holes.

Originally located along the shoreline near Arnold’s Point in Portsmouth, this presumed cup stone, like others, was believed to have been used as part of pagan or American Indian rituals. It could only be seen at low tide.

Cup-Stone-ap-closeup
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