Baton Rouge Resident Discovers Rare Artifact in BackyardBaton Rouge Resident Discovers Rare Artifact in Backyard In a remarkable turn of events, a Baton Rouge resident named Sarah Jenkins has made an astonishing discovery in her backyard. While tending to her garden, Sarah stumbled upon an unusual object that would forever change the course of her life. As she dug tiefer into the soil, she unearthed a small, intricately carved artifact made of serpentine. The object, approximately the size of a fist, featured intricate geometric patterns and what appeared to be ancient symbols. Intrigued, Sarah immediately contacted the Louisiana State Museum for further examination. Archaeologists at the museum were astounded by the find. They quickly determined that the artifact was a rare and significant piece of Native American history. It was identified as a gorget, a ceremonial object worn by people of the Poverty Point culture, which flourished in the lower Mississippi Valley from 2200 to 1200 BCE. “This gorget is an exceptional discovery,” said Dr. Emily Carter, curator of archaeology at the museum. “It provides valuable insights into the artistry, symbolism, and technological prowess of the Poverty Point people.” The gorget, which is estimated to be over 3,000 years old, is expertly crafted and remarkably well-preserved. Its surface is adorned with intricate geometric designs and a series of small pits, which may have once held inlays of precious materials. According to Dr. Carter, the gorget was likely an object of great importance to its original owner. It may have been worn as a symbol of status, authority, or spiritual belief. The discovery of the Poverty Point gorget in Baton Rouge has garnered national attention and further solidified the city’s rich cultural heritage. The artifact will be displayed at the Louisiana State Museum, where it will be studied by scholars and enjoyed by the public for generations to come. Sarah Jenkins, who never expected to find anything of such historical significance in her backyard, is still in shock. “I can’t believe I stumbled upon a piece of history that’s so old,” she said. “It’s a reminder that even in our own backyards, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.”