What is this morning market item?

[Trujillo 1,115]

I purchased some of these at the morning market in Luang Prabang, Laos. 

They sort of look like truffles, but they are hard as a rock, and there does not appear to be anything loose rattling inside (like a seed). I bought them thinking I could figure out what they are and how to cook with them, but so far, no Thai I have asked knows what they are. 

Any ideas? 

 

[CMBob 870]

Probably should have posted this in the "Brown Things Bought in Laos" forum.... 

 

You broke two of my rules: (1) Don't buy something unless you know what it is and (2) Sure as heck don't cook and eat anything that falls in #1 category.

[cmsally 3,875]

I really have no idea - but possibly Maku nuts ???

Maku nuts

[Andrew Dwyer 5,439]

Her indoors had no idea.

The bottom one looks like a rock !

[rebo 1,156]

Looks like the back sides of "Phon PhraCawHaaPhraOng", the "Five Buddhas Fruit".
https://th.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/พระเจ้าห้าพระองค์_(พืช)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracontomelon_dao
Look for the typical five fold symmetry pattern.

Edited January 19 by rebo

[PatOngo 16,550]

Kidney stones?

[Trujillo 1,115]

rebo nailed it. I assume they are sold so people can use their sledgehammers and get at the nuts inside to eat....

 

[SiamAndy 17]

They will crack open when you are sleeping and then beware the blob!

 

[Mario666 236]

It looks like "Moon Rock" so maybe you have won the Lottery!

[Stocky 945]

Coprolites

[cornishcarlos 13,698]

Junta brains... A delicacy but very rare in these parts, must have been expensive... !!

[Snow Leopard 905]

Bits from an asteroid???

[HAKAPALITA 1,772]

I had some stuck to my shoe.

[sammieuk1 6,006]

Every time I ever go to a market here there is at least one thing I have never seen before 10 years. on yours looks like some kind of prehistoric turd a dung beetle has discarded 

[Katia 482]

Some kind of fungus?  The two on the right look like very dirty walnuts, but the other two look like rocks.  So who knows.