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ACOTW TM Welcome To www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.com Volume II, Number 7 July 2010 We Hear A Lot About “Global Warming” Today. An Analysis Of North American “PaleoIndian” Data Has Provided A Glimpse Of What Happens When We Get A Serious “Global Cooling”. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter, “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”. I hope you enjoyed the recent edition, Volume II, Number 6, of our digital e-magazine, the June, 2010 issue. “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web” provides an on-going series of articles and graphic presentations of information related to the many different aspects of discovering and learning about artifacts of previous cultures found today. Now with almost 1000 readers across North America, plus in South America, Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia, we are moving forward into our second calendar year, Volume II. This new July 2010 edition addresses the following topics, among others: • Read about how the beginning of the “Younger Dryas” severe cooling period affected population densities in the PaleoIndian period, about 12,900 BP, at the time when Clovis technology based cultures were getting established across North America. The Ice Age was coming to an end, but it had not totally surrendered to a warming world. The analysis is based upon One of the benefits of living in the age of computers is that databases of information on many topics have been assembled. For instance, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville hosts the “PaleoIndian Database of the Americas”, which includes attribute descriptions of over 15,000 reported PaleoIndian artifacts from across the continent. In total, the database includes over 29,000 reported PaleoIndian and Early Archaic projectile points. This data includes photographs and drawings, Carbon 14 age analysis from scientific studies and geographic locations by county. See pages 3-6. information available in the “PaleoIndian Database of the Americas (see pages 3-6). • How do you record information about an artifact you find, so someone else can know where it came from? Or, what if you want to trade with another collector, how do you keep track of source information for the pieces in your collection? Modern technology presents some new ideas, but the proven methods of long time collectors are still useful (see pages 7-9). • Look at a dramatic, new presentation of artifacts produced by a reader from Vancouver Island (see pages 10-11). • In Parker County, Texas, we examine an intriguing discovery which seems to honor a baby buffalo, at least 5,000 years ago. It was carefully buried, almost intact except for its tail, which was removed in skinning (see page 14). Read, learn, find, enjoy. And pass it all along to your family and friends. ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web Our editorial objective is to help our readers become longterm, even serious collectors of arrowheads, over the years to come. Here are some of the things we hope to accomplish for you in this process: • Help you find new points and understand what it is that you are finding; • Help you to recognize the different kinds and styles of collectable arrowheads and other implements; • Help you to understand about the life ways of the cultures represented by the stone tools which remain; • Help you to discover ways to find good and desirable arrowheads from other sources, such as eBay and special subject web sites; • Help you understand about modern flint knapping, how new points and implements are made, how to recognize them, and how to appreciate those items for the skill and the craftsmanship of the work which they exhibit; • Help you to understand that some people still try to sell unsuspecting collectors items which may or may not be what the items are described to be, that you should be careful when you think about buying points for your collection; • Help you to learn about authentication services and their value to you as a collector. As we do these things, we will maintain your readership and interest in our newsletter for many years to come. Volume II, Number 7 Thank you for your participation, and your interest in “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”. Sincerely, F. Scott Crawford Carrollton, Texas About The Author From the time when I was 13 or 14 in the forested foothills of the western Oregon Willamette Valley and found my first arrowhead, an obsidian “bird point,” in a field my dad had plowed for an experimental crop of maize, I have always wondered about the people who used these stone tools, how they lived, and what became of them. Some friends had collected Indian artifacts in the desert areas of eastern Oregon and my brothers and I all enjoyed looking at their display of those arrowheads. So, to find some points of our own, on the family land, was particularly exciting. After that, whenever we were working in the bean fields, or tending livestock, or moving irrigation pipes, or just wandering across the back 40, we always would keep an eye out for bits and pieces of worked stone, tools and points, to add to our growing collection. The “Paleo-Indian” period Clovis style spear or lance point featured on the back cover of “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web” is reported to have been found near St.Louis, Missouri. As this point has not yet been examined by an authenticator, I am cautious to make no claims of ancient Clovis origin; instead I continue to entertain the possibility that it is a modern flint knapper’s reproduction work. Member AACA © 2009. All Rights Reserved. www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.com F. Scott Crawford, Carrollton, Texas 2 Today, I still keep an eye out for remnants of past cultures. And as the world has changed so much, I can now do much, but not all, of that wandering and learning on the internet, on the world wide web. That’s how I came to be collecting arrowheads on the web, and why I began to put together this newsletter, for others across the land who also are interested in “ Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”. FSC p.s. There is still a time and a place for criss crossing a plowed field, or walking along the banks of a stream, just to see what you might find. Knowing where to look and how, is part of what we plan to explore in the pages of “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web.” Read, learn, find, enjoy. p.p.s. You are invited to visit my flint knapping web site: www.StoneBreaker-FSC.net July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web “PaleoIndian Database Of The Americas” Provides A Method To Research Dramatic Population Changes Caused By A Major Climate Cooling Event 12,900 Years Ago. The PaleoIndian Database of the Americas (PIDBA), available on-line at http://pidba.utk.edu, provides locational data on nearly 30,000 projectile points, attribute data on over 15,000 artifacts, and image data on over 6,000 points from across North America. These samples document patterns of land and lithic raw material use, and the changes in numbers of artifacts over time may reflect demographic trends within the Paleoindian period. PIDBA grows through the contribution of primary data, and recent additions include radiometric and bibliographic databases, and updated distributional maps. Ongoing research is directed to adding images of artifacts, and compiling the attribute data into a single comprehensive database. recent debate. While the reason for the onset of YD is subject to ongoing debate, that changes in climate and biota occurred in many areas is widely accepted, although how this played out in different regions, and among human populations, is not well understood. David G. Anderson1, D. Shane Miller2, Derek T. Anderson2, Stephen J. Yerka1, J. Christopher Gillam3, Erik N. Johanson1, and Ashley Smallwood4 1 Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee. 2 Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. 3 South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. 4 Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. An extensive literature documents how changes in climate affect biotic communities and human societies. Climate parameters such as the type, rate, and magnitude of change shape whether cultural change was major or minor and whether population bottlenecks or extinctions occurred. Introduction How abrupt, large-magnitude climate changes affect different species, including our own, is a subject of considerable research interest at present, given the rapid climate change our planet appears to be undergoing. The most extreme cooling event since the last Glacial Maximum is the Younger Dryas (YD), which began about 12,900 BP (all dates are in calendar or calibrated years before present or BP, unless otherwise noted) and persisted for approximately 1300 years. Whether a significant decline or reorganization in human population occurred at the start of the Younger Dryas cold period ca. 12,900 BP has been the subject of appreciable Volume II, Number 7 In this paper, we explore what happened to human populations in North America during the Younger Dryas using two interrelated lines of evidence: (1) Paleoindian projectile point frequency data; and (2) usage patterns at 13,000-year-old lithic quarries. Climate and Culture Change: Basic Assumptions Of particular importance to human societies were how food supplies were affected, and whether there were changes in the incidence and intensity of epidemics, civil unrest, or warfare. A recent episode of global cooling of shorter duration than the YD was the Little Ice Age (LIA), which occurred from the 1300s to the 1800s AD. The LIA had a significant effect on human populations worldwide, with substantial population decline in some areas brought about by crop failure, civil unrest, warfare and epidemics. The Younger Dryas occurred when most human populations had not yet made the transition to agricultural food production, or developed organizationally large and complex societies, which were presumably more vulnerable to, but also better able to buffer, the effects of climate change. Abrupt swings in climate have occurred many times since our species 3 Figure 1 emerged ca. 150-300 kyr BP. As such, resolving how the YD affected hunting-gathering societies is also important for understanding earlier periods of prehistory. We use proxy methods to test whether climate change associated with the Younger Dryas (YD) from ca. 12,900 to 11,600 cal BP affected human populations in North America: (1) frequency analyses of Paleoindian projectile points from across the continent; and (2) assemblage data (...article continues on p. 6) July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web The “PaleoIndian Database Of The Americas” Prepared This Continental Distribution Chart Showing 11,906 Described Clovis Fluted Points, Scientifically Dated To 13,000 Calendar Years BP. Clovis Point Photographs & Illustrations from the PIDBA, found in the state of Georgia. In this map and the one that follows, artifacts are plotted by specific types or groupings of types that are assumed to form broad, presumably contemporaneous horizons. Classic Clovis points typically have flat to weakly indented bases and fluting only part way up the blade. The Clovis horizon dated to about 13,000 cal yr BP is replaced during the early part of the Younger Dryas from ca. 12,800 to 12,500 cal yr BP by an apparent ‘Full Fluted horizon’ characterized by points with deeply indented bases and short to full flutes, of the Redstone, Gainey, Barnes, Cumberland, and Folsom types. These are thought to have been replaced, at least in the Southeast, by an Unfluted Lanceolate horizon of typically waisted forms, including the Beaver Lake, Quad, Suwannee, and Simpson types. Sometime later in the Younger Dryas, around or after ca. 12,500 to 12,000 cal yr BP, notched and beveled Dalton points become common over much of Eastern North America, with distinct subtypes or variants occurring in specific areas. (...continues on p. 5) Clovis point from the PIDBA, found in the state of South Carolina. Volume II, Number 7 4 July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web The “PaleoIndian Database Of The Americas” Prepared This Continental Distribution Showing Reported Middle PaleoIndian Points, Dated To Around 12,000 Calendar Years BP. Middle PaleoIndian period point types developed from earlier Clovis style (left) projectile points were often “full-fluted”, such as the Folsom, Redstone, Barnes, Cumberland and other similar points. (Right) Redstone projectile point photograph from the PIDBA, found in the state of South Carolina. One of the “full-fluted” variations which developed from the original Clovis style point, in the Middle Paleo Indian period. These later “full-fluted” type points were possibly made with indirect hammer and punch technology, rather than with the direct soft hammer/billet percussion methods which were used to produce Clovis points. The Middle Paleo Indian period point types which were “full-fluted” include the Folsom, Redstone, Barnes, Cumberland and other similar points. (Left) Suwannee projectile point photograph from the PIDBA, found in the state of Florida. Non-fluted regional varieties included Midland, Simpson, Beaver Lake, etc., and eventually Dalton. Volume II, Number 7 5 (...continues on p. 6) July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web from 11 Paleoindian quarry sites in the southeastern United States. The results of each analysis suggest that a significant decline or reorganization of human population occurred during the initial centuries of the Younger Dryas, albeit playing out somewhat differently in different regions. Settings formerly heavily utilized, such as stone quarries in the southeast, were apparently no longer heavily utilized, while over large areas a substantial decline in the numbers of diagnostic projectile points and radiocarbon estimations occurs (Figure 2). In the latter half of the Younger Dryas a rebound in population or settlement is indicated by the projectile point and radiocarbon datasets in a number of areas (Figure 3). Paleoindian projectile points across North America occur within a number of geographically widespread, presumably contemporaneous stylistic horizons (Continental Clovis Chart, page 4). The ‘Clovis horizon’ is dated to ca. 13,050 to 12,900 BP, just prior to the Younger Dryas, and is characterized by classic Clovis points which typically have flat to weakly indented bases and fluting only part way up the blade. These were replaced during the early part of the Younger Dryas by a ‘FullFluted horizon’ characterized by points with deeply indented bases and lengthy flutes of the Folsom, Gainey, Barnes, Cumberland, and Redstone types, displaying what Goodyear (2006) has called ‘instrument assisted’ fluting either by indirect percussion or pressure (Middle PaleoIndian Chart, page 5). These points were in turn replaced by a wide range of unfluted forms later in the Younger Dryas. Analysis Results (1): Clovis and Post-Clovis Projectile Point Frequencies in North America The Paleoindian Database of the Americas, or PIDBA, integrates database and GIS technology to make locational data on nearly 30,000 projectile points, attribute data on over 15,000 artifacts, and image data on nearly 10,000 Paleoindian era points from across North America. Volume II, Number 7 Figure 2. Post Clovis decline in Southeast. Figure 3. Post Clovis SE renewal over time. These data indicate a substantial drop in the numbers of artifacts and presumably people in many parts of North America during the early centuries of the Younger Dryas. population or reorganization in technology and settlement away from such locations appears to have occurred. Of 11 sites examined, only one (Carson-Conn-Short) and possibly two others (Boyd-Ledford, Sinclair) show much evidence for immediate post-Clovis utilization by makers of Redstone and Cumberland points. Seven other sites have either no evidence of immediate post-Clovis usage (Wells Creek, Adams, Roeder, Ezell, Big Pine Tree), or minor usage (Topper, Williamson, Boyd-Ledford, Thunderbird). In the Southeastern U.S., this decline is particularly dramatic, on the order of 50% (Figure 2). The pattern of postClovis decline in eastern North America appears much the same in the central part of the continent in an area defined by twenty-one states and provinces in the Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and Great Plains. A decline of ca. 37% occurs between Clovis and presumably related fluted forms (n=4020) and subsequent Folsom and presumably related Midland and Sedgwick types (n=2527). Pertinent questions in such analyses, of course, include whether changes in numbers of points represent: 1) changes in numbers of people or settlement patterns; 2) a reorganization of technology; 3) biases in the collection of points; 4) errors in point identification or dating; 5) changes in the duration of point usage, both for an individual tool and for the point style; and 6) the effect of geological factors that may affect artifact deposition and preservation. In spite of these concerns, using numbers of sites, artifacts, or radiocarbon dates as a proxy measure of human population is widely used in archaeology. Analysis Results (2): Southeastern Quarry Assemblages Examination of archaeological assemblages from 11 major stone quarry sites used extensively during the Clovis era (and for much of prehistory thereafter as well) in the southeastern United States indicates immediate post-Clovis, ‘Full-Fluted horizon’ use of many of these quarries was minimal. A major decline in 6 The sample encompasses the major known sites. Documenting Clovis and immediate post-Clovis use of quarry sites in the Southeast has not been done quickly or easily, but reflects decades of collection and excavation by avocational and professional archaeologists. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses indicate that serious human and animal population declines or bottlenecks, or alternatively population reorganizations (i.e., dramatic changes in settlement patterning), occurred with the onset of the Younger Dryas cooling episode 12,900 years ago in some or all portions of North America. Radiocarbon and other analyses suggest similar declines occurred across much of the Northern Hemisphere, with the possible exception of the Middle East. We suggest these changes in climate and biota are related, that they occurred quickly and lasted for centuries, and may have resulted in human population declines of up to 30% to 50%. If a comparable episode occurred today, the results would be catastrophic. July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web Documentation Of Collected Pieces ... The Proven Way. Three Dalton points from the L. M. Abbott Central Texas Artifact Collection. The Dalton point on the left was found by Cecil R. Harris in Williamson County, Texas, on his farm near Bartlett, “5-12-1952”. See his notes on the back of the Dalton point, left, top. Three Scottsbluff points from the L. M. Abbott Central Texas Artifact Collection. The Scottsbluff point on the left was found by Tom Brown in Henderson County, Texas, in 1958. See his notes on the back of the Scottsbluff point, left, above. (...continues on p. 8) Volume II, Number 7 7 July 2010 ACOTW Arrowhead Collecting On The Web TM These three Pedernales points from L. M. Abbott’s Central Texas Artifact Collection were found by Mr. Cecil R. Harris on his farm near Bartlett, in Williamson County, Texas. Over the years, Mr. Harris would make notes on his finds, detailing when and where they were recovered and the date. Many years later, we can still note the history of the points, simply by looking at them. The permanent ink was often covered with nail polish to protect the notes. Documentation Of Collected Pieces ... In The Tried & Tested Way ... With Permanent Ink Notes On The “Back” Side. This inset photograph is the back of the middle Pedernales dart point in this group of three from the L. M. Abbott Central Texas Artifact Collection. This Pedernales point was found by Cecil R. Harris in Williamson County, Texas, on his farm near Bartlett, “6-4-1933”. See Mr. Harris’s inked notes on the back of the Pedernales point. (...continues on p. 9) Volume II, Number 7 8 July 2010 ACOTW Arrowhead Collecting On The Web TM This Pedernales point from L. M. Abbott’s Central Texas Artifact Collection were found by Mr. Cecil R. Harris on his farm near Bartlett, in Williamson County, Texas. Many years later, we can still note the history of the points, simply by looking at them. Today, many collectors document their findings with both inked notes on the “back” of the piece, as well as written or typed notes with the pertinent information and digital images recording the in-situ find and a later examination of the artifact. Combining the previous technology with new methods of recording information, now we can create digital images of points we find, and print or share the electronic images. The electronic photo file can be re-named to include the finder’s information: type-place-person-date. A Pedernales dart point from the L. M. Abbott Central Texas Artifact Collection. This Pedernales point was found by Cecil R. Harris in Williamson County, Texas, on his farm near Bartlett, “9-6-1939”. See his inked notes on the back of the Pedernales point. Volume II, Number 7 9 July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web Carved Soapstone Displays For A Selection Of Projectile Points ... A Unique Concept From A Vancouver Island Reader. Hi Scott, You were asking people how they displayed their points. Well if you want them in a living room (which we all do) but your wife is not as interested as you are in shadow box displays then here is another idea. Purchase a piece of soapstone from a local art store and carve a display holder. The rougher the shape, the better, for you don’t have to be a sculpture for this, as a tree bark look works the best. After the carving process is finished, it is in the finishing of the rock were the beauty comes in as this is the only secret. It has to be sanded to at least a 320 grit. After washing it with water, place it in an oven, set at 250 degrees (no higher). When the rock has reached this temperature, take it out and set it down on some cardboard. While the rock is heating, melt some beeswax (1 oz or a tea candle is enough). This melted wax is used with a small paint brush to bring out the grain and color of the rock. Just paint the rock with the wax. Before it cools completely wipe off any excess wax and after it has reached room temperature, polish it with a cotton rag = finished product! The Mayan one shows what soapstone looks like after it is carved – pure white - like the un-waxed vine – if I waxed the vine, it would have disappeared into the rest of the colorful rock’s shape. Volume II, Number 7 (...continues on p. 10) 10 July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web Carved Soapstone, A Rugged Display For Arrowheads... If you don’t like the wax method you can finish sanding it, wash it, dry it and just apply a light oil coating (not as good when placing on some surfaces). Good luck. A grateful reader from Vancouver Island, Canada Bill Dayholos P.S. I will be selling some of these points and holders in the months ahead on E- Bay under the name of Global Lithics. Top: The ones on the Mammoth skull carving are from Siberia. Middle: In the next picture the sculpture to the left of the Mayan artifact sculpture has two interesting points in the center. The white one is Dyuktai from Siberia, the red Jasper one is so identical that the material type and the original finger prints (if they were there) are the only differences between them. The interesting thing about them is that the Jasper one was found in Washington State. Proof that the Dyuktai culture made it down this far! Publisher’s e-mail address: fscottcrawford@ arrowheadcollectingontheweb.com Volume II, Number 7 11 July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web e-Mail Letters: June 14, 2010 June 19, 2010 Scott, Dear Mr.Crawford, Can you give more info on the arrowhead found in Elk County, Kansas? I live in the county just to the north of that county. I want to thank you for your newsletter. It is a very informative paper. And the photos are amazing. My daughter found an arrowhead in Otter Creek near Climax, KS, about two weeks ago. It had the tip broken; when looking at it through a magnifying glass, the break looked “new” meaning it was shiny, whereas the remainder of arrowhead had the patina. This is within a mile of where someone found an ancient buffalo skull imbedded in the gravel bar of same creek. I live on the edge of this creek a mile west and mile south of Climax, KS. Charlotte Bills June 14, 2010 Hi Charlotte, It is good to hear from you. It would be interesting to see a photo of the arrowhead your daughter found. I have had several collectors from Nebraska and Kansas send in photos of their collections and points which have been found by their families over the years. Please advise, As far as that photograph in the June issue, showing a possible Clovis point which was reported to be from Elk County, in Kansas; it was found on private land near the Elk River. That is the extend of information which I have for that spear point. I purchased it about three years ago from a long-time artifact dealer in Alabama. The information which he had was passed on to me. It is an exceptional piece of glossy flint, and features excellent work by the flint knapper who made it. Up to this time I have not had this point examined by an artifact authenticator, so I am not certain of its authenticity. It appears to have a patina on the surface, so that it does not appear to be a recently made reproduction. But it might indeed be a modern reproduction. Questions about authenticity are one of the reasons why I started to write “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”. It can be a real challenge to learn how to tell modern made points from the ancient. But, as most collectors will tell you, it is important to try to learn to tell the difference. Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you again. Jessica Sincerely, June 14, 2010 Dear Mr. Crawford, Hi, this is Jessica. I found, what I believe is an Indian stone axe, in Georgia recently. I went to an antique appraiser about 1 month ago and he advised me that I should “hand carry” my artifact to The Fern Bank Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Everyone that I have shown this to is in amazement. I would really appreciate it if you would give me your expert advice on what I have found and any information about my artifact. I have attached pics of both sides. Please note ... pictures do not do it any justice. F. Scott Crawford I’ve been living in western North Carolina for about 20 years now and only in the past few years have taken up collecting points and artifacts. It is mind boggling at the sheer number of artifacts that I have run across in Macon and Jackson counties. But the local farmers in the area don’t share the same ideas I and my hunt’n’ buddies. I have learned a lot about the natives that once lived here and one day I ran across your site, and it has been very helpful in my search for understanding, if I may call it that. If you would be interested in seeing a few photos of some pieces, just let me know and I would be happy to do so. Well, it looks like rain today, and you know what that means? . . . Mud boots. Happy huntin’. Sincerely, Dan Reynolds June 19, 2010 Hi Dan, Glad to hear from you. I am always eager to see photos of your favorite regional finds; and please send along a few notes about how and where you found them (specific details of areas/circumstances without actually identifying the exact places unless you wish to note the precise locations ... this shields the property owners from unwanted visitors). Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. ... Your photos would make a welcome addition to show folks what is found in your North Carolina region. Scott July 3, 2010 Hello, With so much work to do, I’ve hardly had time to go hunting lately. But I haven’t forgotten you. My partner in crime, you might say, is in the process of moving....I’ve been trying to get together with him and get you something to work with. I’ve got a lot of things in storage and so has he. I will be back in touch with you as soon as possible. Oh yea, about the muddy hunt, only brought home a bunch of muddy clothes and a pocket full of nothing but muddy rocks. But that’s how it goes sometimes. So I’ll be talking to you soon. Dan Volume II, Number 7 12 July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web e-Mail Letters: June 20, 2010 Jason Davis Re: mortar & arrowhead pics reported in May 2010 ACOTW Hi Jason, How did the trip work out for you and your son? Hopefully both productive and educational. Did he make a report to his class after your trip? I think that if he had written up some notes from that trip, combined with a few photographs of your travels and finds, that would make a great contribution from him to the ACOTW newsletter! It could also give him something to show his school class. If he wants to do this, I will be pleased to put it in the newsletter. Let me know. Scott March 9, 2010 Hi Jose, Do you have photos of the arrowheads which were given to you? A useful book, Overstreet’s “Indian Arrowheads”, is rather expensive though it is quite comprehensive and has good photographs of many variations of the regional types of arrowheads. That is what I generally use to identify points which come from areas of the country outside of my own experience. As far as authenticity, consider where they came from, the condition of the surface of the stone, wear marks and edge wear on the points, etc. Sincerely, F. Scott Crawford June 30, 2010 Good morning Scott, This is one of three arrowheads that I have, let me know if the picture is good enough so you can have a good view. Thanks in advance and hope that you can help me. Jose Scott, Hey Scott, Below you can see a map were I got the arrowheads. The place is located around 200 kilometers south east El Paso Tx , on the of the Mexican side of border. The town is called Lomas de Arena (Sand Hills in English) in the state of Chihuahua , Mexico. All three arrowheads are more or less the same size but I’ll send you another picture with a scale so it can illustrate the size of the arrowheads, but they are like 2 inches long, more or less. Thanks so much for reaching out. I’ll try and send some photos soon and see if Daniel is up for a little writing. He did a presentation for class but it was on a 3-fold board with pictures and small, descriptive blurbs. I think we will be making two trips in July…one back out to eastern Oregon and one to Utah again so I will keep you updated on our findings! Jason Davis March 9, 2010 I have three arrow heads that were given to me as a gift when I was 8 years old. Now I am 31. How can I know how old the arrow heads are? And most important, how can I know if the arrow heads are authentics? Best Regards Jose Garcia Volume II, Number 7 Archaic Period knife form, bifacially worked, but with the bottom edge unsharpened. June 30, 2010 June 22, 2010 The trip was wonderful. I think one of the best aspects to hunting arrowheads is the beautiful country you get to experience in the process. Our main stops were in Northern California, Arizona (E. of Phoenix), northern New Mexico and southern Utah. Of those, southern Utah yielded some amazing history both in the way of points and educational opportunities. Archaic Period knife or scraper form, perhaps a recycled larger blade, reworked on left edge along a previous break. Possible Archaic Period dart point, base broken off on left side, or else a broken knife form. June 30, 2010 Thanks for sending the photographs. They are excellent photos. And interesting artifacts, too. Do you know where these were found? The region or area can help in identifying culture and age. Also, what is the size of these artifacts, since the images have no reference scale or common object included for size comparisons. Sometimes people include a coin or similar object in the photos, just to give an idea of the size. Especially knowing the region where they were probably found will be most helpful in trying to establish the origin, age, etc., of these points and tools. Thanks for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you again about the area where you live and where these were found, if at all possible. Scott 13 Thank you for your time, Jose Publisher’s e-mail address: fscottcrawford@ arrowheadcollectingontheweb.com July 2010 ACOTW TM Arrowhead Collecting On The Web When Marvin Glasgow invited the ACOTW publisher to visit the Doss Heritage and Cultural Center in Weatherford, Texas, to see the preparations for the L. M. Abbott “Central Texas Artifacts Collection”, he also told us the local archaeological enthusiasts’ favorite theory about this Buffalo Calf, discovered in Parker County in 1985: perhaps it was a White Buffalo Calf, since the Calf’s hide was carefully removed prior to a ceremonial burial. The Grace Bison Calf Skeleton Is Being Prepared For An Exhibit At The Doss Heritage & Cultural Center In Weatherford, Texas. On June 21, 1985, while digging a trench for a water line to his cattle pen, Mike Grace encountered what appeared to be skeletal materal. The next day Mr. Grace and his brother, Marlin Dirk, carefully exposed the area where the bone fragments had been seen. 18 months, based on the condition of the calf’s teeth. The tail bones were missing, indicating that the bison calf had been skinned. To their surprise, they uncovered an almost complete, articulated bison skeleton. The pipeline trench had just nicked the left pelvis of the skeleton. The Grace home is in Parker County, northwest of Annetta (approximately 12 miles west of Fort Worth), on a terrace about one-half mile north of the South Fork of the Trinity River. Based on cut marks on the ribs, the knees and the right scapula, the animal appeared to have been butchered. Mr. Grace invited Homer Norris and James Everett, who had been publicised for some other recent archaeological work in the area, to help with an interpretation of the skeleton. The bison was about 58 cm below the present sandy surface, on top of a red clay layer. It appeared that the original pit for the skeleton had been excavated slightly into the clay layer, since a few chunks of the clay were in the wall of the pit. After completing photographs, measurements and written documentation, the bones were removed from the excavation and placed in containers for reassembly at UNT. The bison skeleton was resting on its right side, with its face oriented toward the north and its feet toward the west. Mr. Grace expanded the excavation pit slightly before backfilling it. During the expansion, he found two dart point bases of tan flint. One appeared to be a Martindale point. Near the ankle of the right rear leg, Mr. Grace found the distal end of a dark gray flint projectile point. The material and workmanship were good. The archaeology workers invited Bonnie Yates and Sherry Douglas from the University of North Texas to observe the findings. Ms. Yates determined that the bison had died at about the age of Volume II, Number 7 The Martindale point base found by Mr. Grace in the excavation pit of the bison calf. Shown actual size. Illustration by Homer Norris. Martindale points date to the early Archaic, from 8,000 to 5,000 BP. Beneath the right eye socket, a triangular gray flint blade was discovered, resting on the clay. Ms. Douglas took samples from the sandy layer and from the clay layer for analysis. Parker County’s prehistory is more complete today, thanks to the dedication of residents like Mike and Ann Grace, who carefully preserved and made this discovery available for recording and study. 14 (Article adapted from “Grace Bison Skeleton Site ~ 41PR20” by James Everett, illustrated by Homer Norris.) July 2010 ACOTW TM Old Stone Age Handaxe (Paleolithic), age 200,000+/- years. Arrowhead Collecting On The Web Artifact Authentication Services & Certificates Of Authenticity You can use a jeweler’s Lupe 8X magnifier, just to begin the high enlargement examination of an artifact, to look for edge wear and tool marks. Authentication and evaluation services for artifacts from all over the world are available from a number of highly respected sources. Some offer these services for regional items, since they specialize in Western, or South Western, or South Eastern, or North Central or North Eastern artifact types. And most of the authenticators have web sites. Read up on their services, learn about their specialties, obtain pricing and timing information, and determine how to send items for authentication and evaluation. Here are some well known and respected authenticators: Dwain Rogers Texas Flint Authentication 4102 Birch Avenue Temple, Texas 76502 Telephone: 1-254-791-5520 Jeff Baker Baker Authentication www.BakerCOA.com P.O. Box 772 Paragould, Arkansas 72451 Telephone: 1-870-239-9722 Volume II, Number 7 Bill Jackson Jackson Galleries www.JacksonGalleries.com P.O. Box 1005 Mount Sterling , Kentucky 40353 Telephone: 1-800-466-3836 Fax: 1-859-499-0160 Tom Davis Davis Artifacts, Inc. www.TomDavisArtifacts.com P.O. Box 676 Stanton, Kentucky 40380 Telephone: 1-606-663-2741 Ben Stermer Western Typology www.WesternTypology.com 44207 W McClelland Dr. Maricopa, Arizona 85238 email: BSte122241@aol.com Jeb Taylor Jeb Taylor Artifacts P.O. Box 882 Buffalo, Wyoming 82834 Telephone: 1-307-737-2347 Ken Partain www.kensrelics.com 7044 Market Street Dover, Arkansas 72837 Telephone: 1-479-331-3486 Sam Cox www.SamCoxArtifacts.com 968 Floyd Drive Lexington, Kentucky 40505 Telephone: 1-859-351-5675 15 http://www.Stormbroek.com A European artifact gallery, which offers quality antiquities from all historic eras, and all areas around the world. eBay Store: Stormbroek Scottsbluff Spear Point, late Paleo, early Archaic period, age 8,000 to 10,000 years. eBay store: SWArkArtifacts eBay ID: “razrbk” Dealer located in Arkansas, features authentic artifacts from the south/ central United States, many with Certificates of Authenticity. eBay Store: SWarkArtifacts July 2010 Clovis culture spear point reported to have been found near St. Louis, Missouri. Actual size: 5-1/4” long by 1-1/2” wide. This artifact is Number Three in a series, presented by www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.com © 2010. All rights reserved. F. Scott Crawford, Carrollton, Texas. Providing Precision-Crafted Projectile Points Since Before The Dawn Of Civilization. TM ClovisKnappersUnlimited LLC NorthAmericanRockWellMade International patents registered 13,500 B.P. A wholly-owned subsidiary of NewWorldLithicTechnologies, LLC.
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