Clinton Inman’s recent discovery of Indian anchors found in Florida has created a major controversy in the state of Florida among archaeologists.  Inman found these anchors while looking for fossils in a shell pit near Ruskin, Florida.  While removing these dolomite slabs he noticed some having a hole bored through them, a hole, which he claims could only have been made by humans.  Dolomite is a heavy, indigenous material found in Florida.  “The 3-inch bore is too perfect and is the same diameter as the others.  They are also notched around their neck so that twine could be tied and secured around them.  They were probably used either for fishing nets or for anchors for small boats.” 

However, Dr. Jeffrey Mitchem, Arkansas Archaeological Survey and a scholar of Florida Indians, disagrees.  He states that these anchors “were not found in a site with archaeological remains indicating that Indians lived there.” And, “that the holes were naturally formed.”  “There is nothing to prove that they were used for anchors.” Inman still adamantly maintains that they were used as anchors because nothing could bore a perfect hole through each of these heavy slabs except man, and that they were intentionally grooved around their necks.”   He also maintains that these were found in an aquatic environment which would explain why no other artifacts were found and because they were found in an aquatic environment would also explain why they were there in the first place, either a lost fishing net or a small craft that sunk with its anchors on board.

Indian anchors have been a controversy in Florida for years as huge stones have been found in numerous areas across the state.  These huge stones have holes bored through them and what exactly was their purpose is much in dispute.  Steven Isbitts of the Tampa Tribune, June 26, 2006, discussed the controversy surrounded the huge anchor in New Port Richey, which has been the heated topic from everything from the scientific to the bizarre.  But in all likelihood, these huge stones were not anchors but were used for ceremonial and religious applications.  They are too large to be used for anchors. Roger Smith, Florida’s state underwater archaeologist said, “Stone anchors have not been discovered in Florida.”  Inman maintains that we have looked for the wrong things in the wrong places.  Instead of one large anchor, Indians would have been more practical and would have used a number of smaller ones, exactly like he has found.  Are these anchors or not?  You decide.  He would appreciate your comments.