Carved Stone Masonry Block

3D Model

This large carved stone block with egg-shaped design on one side remains undated. Its size suggests it was part of a significant structure (Photographs 10 and 11). Its rough surface on the top, lower sides and back suggest it was inset into a wall. Research was unable to verify if the item is directly associated with the canal as an artifact or an item of interest.

This is most likely a “guard stone”, an exterior architectural element (Photograph 12) located at the corner or gates, entries, and walls to prevent damage from vehicle wheels. Historically, the wheels, and particularly the hubs, of horse-drawn vehicles protrude beyond the vehicle’s body, and were prone to striking the corner of a building or gate. These stones, when struck by a wheel, would push the vehicle away from the wall and allow the hub to pass without causing damage to the building or gate.