The exact nature of this device, which is about a foot (30cm) long, is unknown. However, its appearance and behavior strongly suggest that this is a tool for amusement, perhaps an Alien toy.
It was found near a stained rock of special interest.

Initial testing by senior lab technicians (all male) resulted in the conclusion that the device was inert. However, when one of the female scientists entered the testing chamber, the device seemed to come alive, as if triggered by some unknown force. Everyone thought this called for additional testing.

Investigation revealed that the continued presence of a human female caused the device to exhibit a fantastic combination of blinking light (from the knurled yellow bands) and vibration. Gradually, the aforementioned behavior was accompanied by rhythmic expansion/contraction of the spiked red portion. After that, the two purple ends extend slightly and twirl around the central axis, making a clicking sound. That lasts for about a minute, then the ends retract and all motion and sound comes to a halt, as if having completed a predetermined set of actions.

The female scientist offered to do additional testing by herself. For three days she has not come out of the testing chamber, not even for food or drink. We know she’s conscious because the communications link allows us to hear her moans, gasps, shrieks, and laughs. She has refused all offers of help.