This is the only one of these I have ever obtained. Beyond rare.  The root has been ground down by human hands.  This is NOT something done in a garage in the 21st century.  I have only seen a few of these in my lifetime.  The first three pics are of the tooth in question and the last three pics are of three more in a private collection..and obviously not part of this sale.  It took the collector 30 years to obtain three of them.  Lots of theories on why earlier humans might have done this...but no real proof in their reasoning.  I guarantee this to be authentic and as stated above for life or your money back.  One of the coolest teeth I have ever offered for sale.  Aside from the center root being ground down...both the ends of the root lobs on the reverse side have as well...almost as if to have it lay perfectly flat.