Forensic scientists have determined a human skull that was found by authorities while they were searching for drugs at a Lawrence County home is indeed anartifact.

Chief Deputy Terry Beecham said the skull has been returned to the area where it was found.

Deputies found the skull while executing a search warrant at a residence on Waynesboro Highway on New Year’s Eve.

Sheriff Kenny Taylor said deputies found drugs and drug paraphernalia in addition to the skull.

Taylor said the skull was on a nightstand in the master bedroom of the house.

At the time of the discovery, the resident, who was not arrested, said he had found the skull in the southwestern part of the county while looking for other artifacts.

Beecham said the skull was sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab in Nashville to be examined.

“Once the skull was determined to be an actual artifact, it was returned to the area of the county where it was discovered,” Beecham said.

Officials said the search warrant was issued at a residence in the 2800 block of Waynesboro Highway after investigators received information that the person living there was hiding illegal drugs in the house.

He said the resident of the house said he found the skull about two years ago while looking for arrowheads.

The drug case will be presented to an upcoming session of the grand jury.