How do I find out what this is ?

[nathan]

I have a small stone carving of Moses holding the tablets. IT supposedly came from the ruins of Ephesus. How do I find out if it is or isn't a historical artifact?

[regularjoe2]

Welcome to the forum , nathan .

Perhaps a bit about where you picked up this item , and some images posted here will give some hints ( to you & us ) .

My usual first question is : does it feel 'waxy' to the touch ?

[KC]

I have searched numerous historical documents on Moses in Ephesus and the only ones keep referring back to the sarcophagus displayed in The Garden of the Ephesus Museum.  The only picture I could find is on this page http://www.meandertravel.com/ephesustours/ephesus_tours.php?details=ephesusmuseum&m=5&md=sc5

They have sold miniature stone sculptures as tourist trade for many, many years.

You would have to have this authenticated by an expert if you feel it is really of historical importance.

[nathan]

I don't know about waxy, but it does feel very smooth on the flat parts.