ACOTW - Arrowhead Collecting On The Web · Cumberland Gap, In A Cautionary Tale Of Fake &...

ACOTWWelcome ToTM

www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.comVolume I, Number 4 August 2009

Thank you for subscribing toour newsletter, “ArrowheadCollecting On The Web”.I hope you enjoyed the thirdedition, Volume I, Number 3, ofour digital on-line newsletter,the June, 2009 issue.“Arrowhead Collecting On TheWeb” provides an on-goingseries of articles and graphicpresentations of informationrelated to the many differentaspects of finding and learningabout the relics of previouscultures which remain to befound today.This fourth edition addressesthe following topics:• Where do you find quality

arrowhead-related websites?• How do I participate in on-

line arrowhead collectingactivities, such as bidding topurchase authentic artifactsfrom eBay? How can I knowwhether these items aremodern reproductions orancient artifacts?

• What is a “Cascade” double-ended biface?

• How old are these points?(We continue a series of groupsof points to show some generalguidelines which can help us toknow the kind and age of thepoints we find or collect.)

• What is the NationalMuseum Of The AmericanIndian? How can I join or

receive information from it?• Where did the original

inhabitants of this continentfind the stone which theyused to make their tools andweapons? (We continue aseries of articles on the subject.)

• How can I tell the differencebetween an ancient arrow-head and a modern made,reproduction arrowhead?(We begin a series of articles onthis most vital subject in thisedition.)

• What ever happened withthe July edition project toobtain a Certificate ofAuthenticity on that heavyhematite(?) full groove axefrom Oklahoma?

• What was the purpose of allthese stone projectile points,any way?

Our editorial objective is tohelp our readers become long-term, even serious collectors ofarrowheads, over the years to

(continued...)

This Month We Enter The Valley Of Shadows, Into The DarkCumberland Gap, In A Cautionary Tale Of Fake & Authentic.

If you collect arrowheads, you need to know what you can learn in the pages of“Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”. Why? Because there is a vast differencebetween collecting or buying an authentic ancient relic of a long past cultureand acquiring a fake, modern-made point which could have been sold fraudu-lently as “ancient”, since it was actually made just recently. Here’s the point:How can you learn to tell enough about a particular cultural piece’s evidence ofauthenticity to prevent making expensive mistakes? In this issue we are goingto start this education with information about Cumberland points, see page 13.

Is it real or is it...?

Volume I, Number 4 August 20092

ACOTWArrowhead Collecting On The Web

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come. There are several thingswhich we hope to accomplishfor you in this process:• Help you find new points

and understand what it isthat you are finding;

• Help you to learn about allthe different aspects ofcollecting;

• Help you to recognize thedifferent kinds and styles ofcollectable arrowheads andother implements;

• Help you to understandabout the life ways of thecultures represented by thestone tools which remain;

• Help you to discover waysto find good and desirablearrowheads from othersources, such as eBay andspecial subject web sites;

• Help you to learn aboutpoint quality andauthenticity, so that youunderstand about pointvalue and character;

• Help you understand aboutmodern flint knapping, hownew points and implementsare made, how to recognizethem, and how to appreciatethose items for the skill andthe craftsmanship of thework which they exhibit;

• Help you to recognize thatsome people still try to sellunsuspecting collectorsitems which may or may notbe what the item isdescribed to be, that youshould be careful when youthink about buying pointsfor your collection;

• Help you to learn aboutauthentication services andtheir value to you as acollector.

As we do these things, we willmaintain your readership andinterest in our newsletter formany years to come.Thank you for your partici-pation, and your interest in“Arrowhead Collecting On TheWeb”.Sincerely,F. Scott CrawfordCarrollton, Texas

About The AuthorFrom the time when I was 13 or14 in the forested foothills of thewestern Oregon Willamette Valleyand found my first arrowhead, anobsidian “bird point,” in a field mydad had plowed for an experi-mental crop of maize, I havealways wondered about thepeople who used these stonetools, how they lived, and whatbecame of them.Some friends had collectedIndian artifacts in the desertareas of eastern Oregon and mybrothers and I all enjoyed lookingat their display of those arrow-heads. So, to find some points ofour own, on the family land, wasparticularly exciting. After that,whenever we were working in thebean fields, or tending livestock,or moving irrigation pipes, or justwandering across the back 40,we always would keep an eye outfor bits and pieces of workedstone, tools and points, to add toour growing collection.Today, I still keep an eye out forremnants of past cultures. Andas the world has changed somuch, I can now do much, but notall, of that wandering and learningon the internet, on the world wideweb. That’s how I came to becollecting arrowheads on theweb, and why I began to puttogether this newsletter, forothers across the land who alsoare interested in “ ArrowheadCollecting On The Web”.FSCp.s. There is still a time and aplace for criss crossing a plowedfield, or walking along the banksof a stream, just to see what youmight find. Knowing where tolook and how, is part of what weplan to explore in the pages of“Arrowhead Collecting On TheWeb.” Read, learn, find, enjoy.p.p.s. You are invited to visit my flintknapping web site:www.Arrowhead-Maker.com

© 2009. All Rights Reserved.www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.com

F. Scott Crawford, Carrollton, Texas

The arrowhead shown on the last pageof “Arrowhead Collecting On TheWeb” is a Eastgate point, found in

eastern Oregon. It is from theArtifact Collection of Eldon Presley, a

collection of over 10,000 pieces,mostly found in Harney County,

between 1920 and 1960. This pointwas obtained from Michael Knighton

at www.RenegadeArtifacts.com in2008. Here it is at the actual size.

Member AACA



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Zoom Enlarge

SET OF 7 AUTHENTIC FINE NORTHERN CA.

ARROWHEADS<>AACA<>

Item condition: --

Ended: Aug 16, 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Bid history: 13 bids

Winning bid: US $111.51

Already paid? Go to your eBay Bucks - Activity View to see your .

Shipping: $3.00 US Postal Service Parcel Post | See all detailsEstimated delivery within 3-10 business days

Returns: 30 day money back, buyer pays return shipping | Read details

Coverage: Pay with and your full purchase price is covered | See terms

Seller info

angelfaerieland ( 441 )

100%

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Other item info

Item number: 220464762190

Item location: Lakehead, California, United States

Ships to: United States

Payments: PayPal See details

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Description Shipping and payments

----->There might be a tip nick here and there in this group- but still a nice

representative group for Northern California. Shasta County to be exact. These

are a little smaller than the ones that I listed earlier this week- these go from

1/2" to 1". But all in all a nice group! And with 7, a nice way to jump start your Far-

West collection! Or just add to it! All of my arrowheads are 100% authentic and have

been collected legally. Thanks for looking! jen & pat

Item specificsOriginal or Reproduction: 100% ORIGINAL Type: ARROWHEADSMaterial: OBSIDIAN Origin: SHASTA CO. CA.Return Guarantee: ALWAYS 100% GUARANTEED

How To Participate In Quality, Arrowhead-Related Web Sites

Coming In The September Edition Arrowhead Collecting On The Web

Here is an example of an eBay auction for a set of northern Californiaarrowheads, by AACA member and eBay seller ID: “angelfaerieland”, JenniferPeterson and her mother, Pat Welch. Their items are listed in eBay category:Collectibles>Cultures & Ethnicities>Native American: US>Pre-1600>Artifacts.

You can begin your search forquality, authentic arrowheadson the world wide web byusing the Google or Yahoo orMSN or Ask search engines.“Keyword” search terms couldinclude: arrowheads, Indianarrowheads, flint arrowheads,stone arrowheads, stone points,stone knives, flint knives,authentic arrowheads, Indianartifacts. Just type the word orphrase in the search entryspace and hit “enter”. Yourweb browser will show what itfinds. Click on the entrieswhich are of interest to you.“Dealer” searches could in-clude such terms as: artifactdealers, arrowhead dealers,Indian artifact dealers.The following set of web sitelinks, which should functionfrom this newsletter page, is alist of some of the artifactdealers whom I have found tobe reliable, with good serviceand careful, accurate descrip-tions of their items:

www.RenegadeArtifacts.com

www.WesternArtifacts.com

www.SWArkArtifacts.com

www.BCArtifacts.com

www.Penbrandt.com

www.JacksonGalleries.com

www.RelicShack.com

www.OldRelics.com

www.Arrowheads.com

www.Texaspoints.com

The Folsom “Blues” ... The Great AnxietyBetween A Collector’s Desire & A Collector’s Fear.It’s Colored With Questions About Authenticity.

Can youtell thediffer-encebetweenan ancient,authenticexample of therare Folsom Pointand one whichmay be an excellentexample of modern flintknapping skill? What know-ledge can protect you fromignorance and innocent errorsor from outright fraud andintentional deception? Howcan you as an artifact collector

know what to look for? Whatclues can help you recognize a

bonafide artifact and whatclues can help you detect a

modern reproductionwhich may have

been made tolook equally

old andreal?

What does an authenticFolsom Pointlook and feel

like? With thisinformation we can

begin to know for sure.Let us learn.



TM

What Is The National Museum Of The American Indian? HowCan An Interested Person Become A Member Of The NMAI?(Editor’s note: I received this letter from theDirector of the National Museum of theAmerican Indian in July, 2009. I thought itwould be illustrative of the Museum’sobjectives and needs, and also of how interestedreaders might themselves participate.)“Dear Charter Member,As one of the most generous supporters ofthe Smithsonian’s National Museum of theAmerican Indian, your commitment tosharing the true, complete, and livinghistories of the Native peoples of theWestern Hemisphere is beyond question.Your dedication to this unique institutionis bridging the still-persistent gap betweenmisconception and truth -- shatteringstereotypes and forging a path of healingand understanding for all people, Nativeand non-Native alike.In the current economic climate, allmuseums are in need of a loyal base ofespecially committed supporters. TheNational Museum of the American Indianis no exception; indeed, we have a criticalneed for a core group of stakeholders.We are a young museum with an ambi-tious objective: nothing less than aredefinition of our society’s concept of theNative American experience in all itsdimensions. The difference between astagnant museum of collections and exhibits,and a dynamic museum that takes charge of itsgoals and works vigourously, boldly, and withinnovation to achieve them, is the personalinvestment of key supporters like you.As just one illustration of this point ofdifference, the Museum is currentlyembarking on an unprecedented initiativeto widen public understanding of both theheritage of American Indian cultures, aswell as its vibrant contemporary expres-sion.In order to assess what people currentlylearn about this expansive topic, we areconducting a landmark national review oftextbooks and other materials used byteachers and students, from kindergartenthrough the twelfth grade, in a diversearray of public and private schools acrossour country.What we are discovering is disappointing:stereotypes of Native Americans continueto flourish in educational materials. Aswell, the Native perspective on historicalevents is most often entirely absent, andthe diversity, ideologies, and modern livesof Native peoples are rarely explored.What we’ve confirmed is an unconsionablevoid in the content of what our nation’sstudents are taught. By increasing theresources available to remedy thissituation, Museum memberships willenable us to work aggressively to fill thisvoid with the true voices and stories ofNative peoples.The task before us is arduous, which is

why your heightened support andparticipation will mean so much. Not onlymust we catalog materials that putmillions of students in tens of thousands ofschools at risk of learning false orfragmented history, but we must alsodevelop accurate, insightful materials andtraining that will transform how teacherspresent the history and presence of Nativecommunities.I cannot begin to express the importance ofthis undertaking.In our museums in Washington, D.C. andNew York City, as well as at our CulturalResources Center in Maryland, we arealready opening the eyes of millions ofpeople. But we simply cannot waitpassively for people to come to us--notwhen stereotypes and misinformation arestill being so widely perpetuated in theschools where young people learn.With your leadership and support, theMuseum will tackle this endeavor with thesame tenacity and drive that built thestunning building that stands at the foot ofthe United States Capitol today.Your Membership gift will strengthen allof the Museum’s innovative programs thatcombat stereotypes and provide in-depthunderstanding. Our remarkable CulturalInterpreter Program, in which Nativepeople guide visitors and introduce themto the exhibitions in our flagship Museumin Washington, is a good example. TheCultural Interpreters offer a compellingview of our exhibitions based on theirinsight and knowledge of their own tribes’culture and history.I have seen first-hand the impact whennon-Native visitors are guided through thecollections by our Cultural Interpreters.Eager schoolchildren lean forward to hearstories and ask questions ... the faces oftourist groups light up with new under-standing of Native heritage ... high schooland college students enthusiasticallyembrace new insights and ideas about thehistory of the land they call “home” andexpress a keen desire to learn more.Most importantly, these Cultural Interpret-ers help visitors see that the NationalMuseum of the American Indian is aboutpresenting living cultures, along with theirtrue histories.The value of this program is immeasur-able. But it is costly. We rely heavily onthe partnership with and financial supportof Members of the Museum to offerprograms like this that meet our goals forhow museums should present livingcultures.In addition, your generosity will help uscontinue to partner with more Nativecommunities, tribes, and nations to createnew exhibitions and cultural programs.And you will help us to increase our rangeof online and traveling exhibitions and“electronic field trips” so that we may

reach millions of people who will neverhave the opportunity to walk through ourdoors.One example of these efforts was ourrecent live statellite broadcast from AukeBay in Juneau, which explored the Nativecultures of southeast Alaska. Thissuccessful online program reached anastounding 18 million schoolchildren!But I believe that the greatest impact thatyou have as a Member of the Museum isnot what you see today, next week, or evennext year.Rather, your impact is reflected in theattitudes and mindsets of today’s youngpeople as they become adults. Together,we will be forging a new generation ofAmericans who understand the true,complete and complex culture, history, andheritage of Native peoples -- free ofstereotypes and misconceptions. You willsee it as they become tomorrow’s scholars,teachers, and leaders, and in the manner inwhich they teach their own children torespect other cultures.The seeds of knowledge planted throughyour participation in the Museum willblossom into a more enlightened genera-tion -- one that can make the future morejust and fair for all people.This is the legacy you will enjoy as aMember of the National Museum of theAmerican Indian.There are numerous ways to participate inthe sponsorship programs of the NationalMuseum of the American Indian. Andnumerous benefits acrue to sponsors. Yet,as you can well imagine, Members do notjoin for the benefits they receive. Instead,they become a part of this special circlebecause they share my belief that theNational Museum of the American Indianserves as a uniquely powerful tool for theshattering of old stereotypes and therevelation of truth and depth of under-standing of the Native cultures of theWestern Hemisphere.Our history is still evolving. And as aMember of the Museum you will behelping to shape that history by extendinga hand of friendship, reconciliation, andhealing between Native and non-Nativepeoples.It is my hope that you will accept mypersonal invitation to join this very specialcircle of friends. I look forward towelcoming you to Membership in theMuseum.Sincerely,Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Commanche)Director(Mailing Address: National Museum of theAmerican Indian, Smithsonian Institution,P.O. Box 96836, Washington, DC 20090-6836Web Site: www.AmericanIndian.si.edu )



TM

I am pleased to report that I got theCertificate of Authenticity for thisancient axe from Ben Stermer inplenty of time to include it in theAugust 2009 issue of “ArrowheadCollecting On The Web”. Here iswhat Mr. Stermer writes:

“ARTIFACT AUTHENTICATIONCertificate No: 9742Description: A full-grooved axefashioned from hematite bygrindng and pecking the surfaceinto this form. The poll isirregular and appears to havereceived prehistoric damageduring use, or was possibly used“as is.” The bit is heavily polishedalong the blade from heavy use.Axes made from hematite areuncommon.Type: Full-Grooved AxeMaterial: Hematite (Natural IronOre)Length: 6 1/2”Width: 3 1/2”Provenance: Found in OklahomaEvaluation: This is an authenticartifact of the Middle to LateArchaic Period., dating in the 8000B.P. to 5000 B.P. range. Full-Grooved axes such as this werefirst developed around 8000 B.P.Three-quarter grooved axesgenerally came later, followed bythe one-half groove design. Thisexample is fashioned fromhematite, a natural iron ore chosenfor use in making axes due to it’sconsiderable weight compared tolighter hardstones.I have examined the abovedescribed artifact at the request ofthe owner. This evaluation andtypology is based upon the best ofmy experience and knowledge todate.Date: 07/28/2009Signed: Benjamin E. Stermer”

“This is an authentic artifact of the Middle to Late ArchaicPeriod, dating in the 8000 B.P. to 5000 B.P. range.” -- Ben Stermer

This authentication project has been completed. I sent this apparently hematitestone axe head, found in Oklahoma many years ago, off to Ben Stermer for hisevaluation. Below is a scan of the “Artifact Authentication” document receivedfrom Mr. Stermer at the end of July, 2009. Our readers can see the results here,in the August 2009 edition of “Arrowhead Collecting On The Web”.



TM

e-Mail Letters To The Editor:July21, 2009Hi Scott,You asked about WHAT WASTHE CRESCENT USED FOR?I have found several over thepast twenty years, all of whichwere found in the Great Basinarea and all were found on thedry lake beds, around the lakebeds or near the lake beds.Some crescents were haftedand most were made out ofharder material like agate,although some were made outof obsidian.In my opinion crescents wereused to strip the bark off of tuleweeds or other lake weedmaterial. The bark was used tomake moccasins and matts.I have tried it myself and itworks great.Jess AndersCentral Oregon

Publisher’s e-mail address:fscottcrawford@

arrowheadcollectingontheweb.com

Here’s the Paleo Crescent which was found by Ken Gibson, from Klamath Falls,Oregon, in 1976. It is mentioned in Jess Anders’ e-mail in which he discusseshis personal experience-based theory on the purpose of these unique tools.

June 19, 2009Mr. Crawford,I read the collecting newsletterswith great interest. Thanks forthe great source of information.I don’t know what your plan isfor future articles, but I wouldreally like to see some “HowTo” information on methods ofdisplaying collections. I havean older collection that hasneed for a rebuild. Thanksagain for all the great info!Chuck Muscato(Editor’s note: Good idea. Wehave shown a few different ways ofdisplaying collections and willcontinue to show and discuss thisimportant aspect of collecting.)

August 5, 2009Mr. Crawford,I have a nice size collection ofarrowheads that mygrandfather left me. Almost allof the them he found himself inNebraska, a few from otherstates but mostly Nebraska. Iam considering selling thecollection. I don’t have anycertificates of authenticity, but Ido have a book that he wrotewhere he found most of them.I actually went with him manytimes and we sifted the gravelin the creek beds to find them.I would like your advice onhow to go about marketingthese. I can email pictures ifyou are interested in helpingme. There are 20 18” cases ofvarious different artifacts, plussome axes and such items thatare too big for cases.Thanks,Stephanie Roberts(Editor’s note: Besides all theusual marketing contacts,consignment dealers, etc., we canput photographs of a couple ofyour display cases or individual

artifacts in the “ArrowheadCollecting On The Web” e-magazine to make your projectknown to our readership across thecountry. They may haveadditional ideas and suggestionsfor you. I think your grandfather’sbook of his collecting activitiescould be very important to thesuccess of your efforts. You arefortunate that he put in the timeand effort to create a record. Somany times collections areassembled but never fullydocumented for future benefit.)



TM

The “Cascade” double-endedbiface is a knife, lance or dartpoint form used in the Paleo-Indian and Early ArchaicPeriods in a cultural complexcalled the Western PluvialLakes Tradition, 8,000 to 11,000years ago, in the northern GreatBasin and Columbia Plateau. Itis characterized by large lan-ceolate and leaf shaped projec-tile forms, as well as crescents,various forms of scrapers andsome manos and metates.

This jasper spear point or knife, from western Oregon, shows the multiple colorsand glossy surface often associated with heat-treated jasper. Purchased by theauthor’s father, Benjamin F. Crawford, from a trading post in Brownsville,Oregon, in the late 1950’s. An unfortunate drop by a small child resulted in amid-blade fracture which was repaired. The workmanship shows exceptionalpressure flaking. Two flat areas in the right image show the original surface ofthe large chip of jasper from which the blade was knapped. Shown actual size.

What’s A“Cascade”Biface?

This obsidian “Cascade” point illustrates the typical double-ended form of thetype. Found by Jennifer Peterson and Pat Welch near Goose Lake, in ModocCounty, in northern California. 2-1/8” in length, well made, shows some wear.

Left: This obsidian “Cascade” knife illustrates the type. Found by Vernon Imelin the Catlow Valley of eastern Oregon, northeast of French Glen, on a 7-day tripin March of 1953. This knife was found broken, and restored. The joining effortis visible where my thumb is gripping the blade. Note the excellent pressureflaking and condition of the blade edge. I suspect the knife was broken before itwas used, and discarded at that time. Shown here at actual size.



TM

Before Mount Mazama Blew Up And Created Crater Lake, ThisMan Lived Along The Columbia River ... Near Kennewick, WA.

About 7,700 years ago, a 12,000foot, glacier-covered volcanoin the Cascade Mountains insouth/central Oregon explodedand ejected more than 50 cubickilometers of itself into the air.The volcanic dust settled intoash beds over an area whichreached into northern Wash-ington state, eastern Washing-ton state, over 700 kilometersaway, and covered all ofeastern Oregon and east intoIdaho, and to the southeast,reaching into northwesternNevada. The volcano is nowknown as Mt. Mazama, andthe remaining caldera filledwith snow melt and rain tobecome known as Crater Lake.In some places the Mazamaash layer is 1500 feet thick, invalleys close to the Cascades.

A cast made from the skull and jaw of“Kennewick Man” in the early days

of research on the remains before theybecame embroiled in a drawn out legal

battle with the U.S. government,scientists and regional Native

American Tribes.


TM

As far away as Kennewick, ineast-central Washington, theMazama layer is several inchesthick. It serves archaeologistsas a marker of time, dividingmuch of the Pacific Northwestinto periods known as “pre-Mazama” and “post-Mazama”.Many archaeology projectsacross the region have beenable to establish their positionin time by making note oftheir position above or belowthis layer of volcanic ash.This may be of interest to ourreaders because one of themost interesting and contro-versial accidental discoveriesof archaeological note in thepast twenty years was deter-mined to be chronologicallylocated below the Mazama ashlayer, near the Columbia Rivertown of Kennewick.

The discovery? A nearlycomplete skeleton of an adultmale human being.In particular, it was found thatimbedded in his pelvic bonewas a section of a “Cascade”type projectile point. Thewound in the bone had healedto the extent that additionalbone had grown partiallyaround the remnant of thespear point. Apparently theman had been wounded by aspear, either in a huntingaccident, or perhaps in anincident of human to humanviolence. Either way, the pointwas broken off at the bonewhen the weapon wasremoved. And he lived for along enough time after theevent for the healing processto make good progress.



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Just In Case Anybody Was Wondering, Here Is One Of TheReasons Why Our Ancestors Spent All That Time And Effort ToMake The Many Different Types Of Stone Projectile Points.


TM



TM

Living Conditions In Texas Must Have Been ExceptionalThousands Of Years Ago, Since We Find So Many Types Here.

Wells Dart Point, right andbelow, of Edwards Plateauflint, and in-situ, as foundby the author in 2004, near

San Antonio, Texas. Acommon Early Archaic

point from Central Texas.6,000 B.C. to 2,500 B.C.

Probably a Caddo Indian water jugfrom Northeast Texas. Perhapsfrom Late Prehistoric period, 1000A.D. and later. Image submittedby reader, Lori Gaston fromLongview, Texas.


TM

Nolan Dart Point, above, ofEdwards Plateau flint, in-situ, aswitnessed by the author in 2004,

near San Antonio, Texas. A fairlycommon, Early Archaic point from

Central Texas. 6,000 B.C. to 2,500B.C. After washing, below.

Ensor Dart Point, above, of whitechert, found by the author in 1990,near Midland, Texas. A common,Transitional Archaic point fromCentral and South Texas. 200 B.C.to 600 A.D.

Fairland Dart Point, above, oftranslucent Edwards Plateau flint,found by the author in 1990, nearSan Antonio, Texas. A common,Transitional Archaic point fromCentral Texas. 200 B.C. to 600 A.D.Note the tip impact fracture.



TM

A Word To The Wise, When You Consider Buying Artifacts OnThe Internet Or In Person From An Individual Or A Company.Do not let the excitement of anew find distract you fromcareful consideration ofthe authenticity andthe history of thepoint or tool youare contemplating.If a story soundstoo good to betrue, likely itis too good tobe true.Develop arelationshipwith theseller sothat youcan decidethe levelof trust youcan place on his or her word.Ask for as full an account ofthe history of the point as maybe available.This is called the “provenance”of the point. It should includethe name of the finder, theplace, the date, and a descrip-tion of the circumstances orspecial conditions under whichthe discovery was made. Alsoyou should ask for a full list ofprevious owners of the point ortool, if you are not obtaining itfrom the original finder.Whenever possible, you shouldinquire about and even requirea certificate of authenticityfrom a respected source.Almost any collector to whomyou speak will have a story ofhow he bought a point fromsomeone whom he thoughtwas trustworthy, only to laterfind out that the point waseither unknowingly or deliber-ately sold as authentic, when inreality it might have been a

modern-made copy or reproduction point.

For example,when you are

looking at supposed“Paleo-Indian”

artifacts, it would be wellto keep in mind that, in

most parts

of thecountry,

theseartifacts

are extremelyrare. I know

life-long studentsof archaeology

who have worked all over thecountry on projects coveringmany eras of human occupa-tion in this continent who haveonly ever found one or twoauthentic Paleo-Indian relicssuch as a Clovis spear point or

a Folsom dart point.When these points are

found in scientificexcavations they are

celebrated andcarefully cataloged

for future studyand reference.

If they arefound on

private land,these points

and toolsare oftencarefully

preservedand put

away,well out

of thepublic

eye.As a

result,you

will notfind a

point like this for sale often. Atleast, not an ancient, authenticpoint of any quality. You maysee an occasional broken orpartial point. And sometimes,if a collector has had a goodPaleo-Indian point certified andauthenticated, he might betempted to sell it, but thiswould be unusual. No dealerwould ever want to sell a highquality Clovis point or a Cum-berland point, for example,without suggesting a substan-tial price. I say this to cautionyou and to encourage you tocarefully consider claims ofage, culture and authenticitywhich you will hear fromcollectors and/or sellers ofpossibly ancient artifacts.


TM These possible Cumberland, Beaver Lake and similar type points fromthe east/central region of the United States are made from cherts and

flints from that region. My suspician is that they might be modernreproductions. So, my next authentication project includes close

examinations of these points by respected authenticators.



TM

Edwards Plateau Flint, An Outstanding Lithic Resource In TexasEven during the Ice Age, thevast open spaces of Texas werea pleasant place for man andbeast. There was rich grassland in the west, open pineforest in the east, and rollinghill country with good water inthe central and south.In addition, there was anexceptional wealth of flint andgood quality chert, because somuch of the Texas hill countryis a vast deposit of limestone.Here the river valleys cut downthrough the limestone andexpose vast internal deposits ofchert and flint.Known today as the EdwardsPlateau, the flint resources herehave supplied human popula-tions with top quality knappingstone for making weapons andtools for thousands of years.The flint takes the regionalname: Edwards Plateau flint.It comes in several color variet-ies; a translucent brown called“rootbeer” because the inclu-sions look like the bubbles in aglass of root beer colored stone;an opaque blue or gray, opaqueblack. The better quality flint isusually knapped without heattreatment.The regional chert comes inseveral colorful varieties, and isoften heat treated to make iteasier to work, leaving it with aglossy or waxy appearance anda slightly different color cast.Both of these materials havebeen used extensively acrossthe central part of Texas, andhave been traded far and wideacross the region.The Edwards Plateau flint wasused by the Clovis culturegroups in central Texas.

A nodule of Edwards Plateau flint from a limestone quarry near Jarrell, Texas,just north of Austin. The flint throughout this region has made an excellentknapping resource for local inhabitants for thousands of years.

The Clovis folks are wellknown for carrying qualitystone with them as they wan-dered across the continent.Many of their sites feature anextensive mix of quality stonecarried from a good distanceaway from any particular site.However, at the Gault site incentral Texas, this Clovis groupprimarily used the local, high

quality flint. They used italmost exclusively, over aperiod of hundreds of years atthis particular settlement. Infact, when they went to otherregions, they brought the highquality Edwards Plateaumaterials with them, and thatEdwards Plateau flint is theexotic foreign material oftenfound at distant Clovis campsin other regions.

Several Clovis points from the Gault Site in central Texas, north of Austin,excavated in recent years by the University of Texas. Of Edwards Plateau flint.



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The Cumberland “Gap” ... The Great Divide Between An EagerCollector’s Desire & A Collector’s Fear. Knowledge Can Protect.Can you tell the difference betweenan ancient, authentic example ofthe rare Paleo-Indian CumberlandPoint and one which may be anexcellent example of modern flintknapping skill?What knowledge can help protectyou from ignorance and innocenterrors or from outright fraud andintentional deception? How canyou as an artifact collector knowwhat to look for?What clues can help you recognizea bonafide artifact and what cluescan help you detect a modernreproduction which may have beenmade to look equally old and real?What does an authenticCumberland Point look and feellike?With this information we canbegin to know for sure.In preparing this article, I wroteto Benjamin Stermer, an experi-enced and respected artifactauthenticator, for his advice.“One of the questions I have iswhat are some of the character-istics which an authenticatorlooks at with this particulartype of point to evaluate its ageand authenticity? Are therespecific points of style andknapping which a collectorshould be aware of in order toat least make a semi-educatedguess about a “Cumberland”point’s pedigree?”Mr. Stermer was kind enoughto make several replies to myquestions and requests foradvice related to Cumberlandpoints.Here is his summation:“Cumberland points are prettyrare....I look for proper mineral-

ization, surface weathering,use-wear and other signs ofgenuine age and soil exposure.It is good to see elevated irondeposits, too, but not always.Some lithic types are moreprone to minerals adhering tothem than others, and the soiltype the piece was depositedin. For example, it would bevery atypical to see a pointfrom AZ or NM with elevatediron deposits, but common inthe east-central region.“Cumberland points shouldalso be made of proper east-central US materials, Dover,Fort Payne, etc. I have neverseen a genuine Cumberland (ora fake for that matter) made ofBurlington Chert, etc.“Most guys making fakeCumberlands, Quads, etc.,know enough to use theproper lithics, unfortunately.However, they have a hardtime simulating genuine irondeposits, etc.“It is also good to see genuinefarming implement strikemarks, and not be fooled bystriations made by someonestriking the surface of the piecewith a rusty nail or similar tool.“Flaking pattern and cross-section is important, too, but, aswith all point types, workman-ship can vary depending on themaker’s ability, stone type, etc.“Most genuine Cumberlandpoints are very heavily groundalong the lateral and basalmargins, and there are a fewthat are not fluted, but thoseare rather thick in cross-sectionas well. The grinding shouldbe old and weathered like the

rest of the point surface, notflat-surfaced as with manymodern examples.”I asked him “are there a fewdetails of the genuine articlewhich are usually gotten wrongby copiers, since perhaps theydo not know or understandhow the point was used,mounted on shafts, etc.?”Ben’s reply should be taken as acaution when you are lookingat any so-called “Cumberland”point which might be offeredfor sale:“I have seen genuine exampleswith varying basal forms, frommore narrow to wider, butusually flutes are narrowerthan other paleo types ofcourse, and well fluted, it isusually on both sides....I haveseen a couple genuineCumberlands with actuallystraight bases, too.... Thefakers often get the form right,they have more trouble withthe weathering, etc.”This information will give acollector some guidance for thefirst level of examination which heor she should be making whencontemplating add such a point tothe collection.Another level of protection will beto ask for, and require, time to havethe point evaluated by a respectedauthenticator.Any AACA member will gladlyallow for this time, at least twoweeks. Other sellers should makethe same or more time available,and should offer the same guaran-tee as an AACA member...a moneyback guarantee of authenticity.Or do not buy the point.



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Artifact Authentication Services& Certificates Of Authenticity

Authentication and evaluationservices for artifacts from allover the world are availablefrom a number of highlyrespected sources.Some offer these services forregional items, since theyspecialize in Western, or SouthWestern, or South Eastern, orNorth Central or North Easternartifact types.And most of the authenticatorshave web sites. Read up ontheir services, learn about theirspecialties, obtain pricing andtiming information, and deter-mine how to send items forauthentication and evaluation.Here are some well known andrespected authenticators:Dwain RogersTexas Flint Authentication4102 Birch AvenueTemple, Texas 76502Telephone: 1-254-791-5520Jeff BakerBaker Authenticationwww.BakerCOA.comP.O. Box 772Paragould, Arkansas 72451Telephone: 1-870-239-9722

Bill JacksonJackson Gallerieswww.JacksonGalleries.comP.O. Box 1005Mount Sterling , Kentucky 40353Telephone: 1-800-466-3836Fax: 1-859-499-0160Tom DavisDavis Artifacts, Inc.www.TomDavisArtifacts.comP.O. Box 676Stanton, Kentucky 40380Telephone: 1-606-663-2741Ben StermerWestern Typologywww.WesternTypology.com44207 W McClelland Dr.Maricopa, Arizona 85238email: [email protected] TaylorJeb Taylor ArtifactsP.O. Box 882Buffalo, Wyoming 82834Telephone: 1-307-737-2347Ken Partainwww.kensrelics.com7044 Market StreetDover, Arkansas 72837Telephone: 1-479-331-3486Sam Coxwww.SamCoxArtifacts.com968 Floyd DriveLexington, Kentucky 40505Telephone: 1-859-351-5675

http://www.Stormbroek.comA European artifact gallery,

which offers quality antiquitiesfrom all historic eras, and all

areas around the world.eBay Store: Stormbroek

Old Stone AgeHandaxe (Paleolithic),age 200,000+/- years.

Scottsbluff SpearPoint, late Paleo, early

Archaic period, age8,000 to 10,000 years.

eBay store: SWArkArtifactseBay ID: “razrbk”

Dealer located in Arkansas, featuresauthentic artifacts from the south/central United States, many with

Certificates of Authenticity.eBay Store: SWarkArtifacts

You can use ajeweler’s Lupe 8Xmagnifier, just tobegin the highenlargementexamination of anartifact, to look foredge wear andtool marks.



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Polished Hardstone Discoid Objects From Georgia.One of our reader’s, JackGregory, from Smyrna, Geor-gia, sent in this photograph ofseveral “polished discoids”.Some years ago, it seems, aneighbor was building a newhouse, which required a rathersignificant amount of mechani-cal earthmoving and excava-tion. As a result of this excava-tion, they were able to find anumber of stone relics fromprevious users of the land.Among these artifacts werediscovered four polishedhardstone pieces, of whichthree are almost exactly thesame in shape and size. Thecolorful stones were groundand polished from muchhandling. Size, about 1.5” indiameter. Shown here approxi-mately actual size. The exactuse is as yet undetermined.

Here is a real handful of authentic,excellent old Desert Southwest dartpoints and an arrowhead. Theauthor received this photo document-ing a selection of ancient points andblades he purchased from CliffordCarney. These all come from Utah.Right: 2-3/8” long, Late Pueblo IIPeriod, A.D. 1050 to A.D. 1300; lightgreen chert Arrow Point Preform,perhaps a Bull Creek point. COAStermer, ex. Lyman, ex. Gardiner, ex.Carney collections. Found in WayneCounty, Utah.Second right: 2-1/4” long, fromLater Archaic Period, 3500-3300 B.P.,continuing into Intermediate Perioduntil 600-700 A.D.; multi-coloredagate Elko series, split stem, cornernotched Atlatl Dart Point. COAStermer, ex. Carney, found in SanJuan County, Utah.Middle: 1-5/8” long, Late ArchaicPeriod, 3500-3300 B.P., continuinginto Intermediate Period until 600-700 A.D.; yellow chert Elko series,corner notched Atlatl Dart Point.

COA Stermer, ex. Carnery. Found inGarfield County, Utah.Second Left: 1” long, Late ArchaicPeriod, 3500 B.P., continuing intoIntermediate Period until 600-700A.D.; red jasper or agatized woodElko series, corner notched AtlatlDart Point. COA Stermer, ex.

Walker, ex. Carney. Found in GrandCounty, Utah.Left: 7/8” long, Late PrehistoricPeriod, Pueblo I and II, A.D. 1020 toA.D. 1120-1200; brown agate PuebloAlto side notched Arrow Point. COAStermer, ex. Black, ex. Carney.Found in San Juan County, Utah.

Discover An Arrowhead In Your Garden And You'llNever Look At Bare Dirt The Same Way Again Forever!

I know I sure don't. Not since I found an agatearrowhead when I was digging a new gardenplot on my family's land in Oregon.

That spring I was just 13 years old. I still havethat arrowhead. And several others which Ifound over the next few years, in our othergardens, in our plowed fields, on old pathsand dirt driveways up in the forested hillsaround our place, out in the fields where Iwas moving irrigation pipes, etc., etc.

I never missed a chance to keep an eye onthe open spaces and freshly disturbed soil,just to see what I could find. And overthe years, my close observation has beenrewarded many times, in many places.

Just like thousands of other kids allover the country, I was intrigued andfascinated by these arrowheads, thehunting weapons left behind overhundreds and thousands of years ofuse by the people who lived herebefore us.

Maybe you are doing the samething today. Perhaps you havethe same questions about thosearrowheads and other thingswhich you find in the soilaround your home.

That's why I put together thisnewsletter, to help kids andparents understand whatthey are finding, to learnabout these arrowheadsand other stone tools madeby the ancient inhabitantsof our lands.

Sometimes those peoplewere our ancestors, andsometimes they havebeen gone so long thatno one knows whomight be descendedfrom them. But wealways want to knowabout them, tounderstand theirlives, and to studythe evidence oftheir time here,which we find allaround us.

Arrowhead CollectingOn The Web

© 2009. All rights reserved. F. Scott Crawford, Carrollton, Texas. http://www.ArrowheadCollectingOnTheWeb.com

To accomplish these things we are now publishingthis new on-going electronic monthly newsletter

designed to illustrate and explain the tools andweapons which we find in all corners of this big

land. We call it “Arrowhead Collecting OnThe Web”. And we invite you to subscribe,

so that you can read it, every month.

“Arrowhead Collecting On The Web” exploresall the questions we have about the people who

made them, where they lived, how we findtheir stone tools, how they made these weapons

and tools, how old they are, how we can knowthe age of these tools, and many more.

We will have photographs of arrowheadsand of collections so you can see how

some people display the points they find.Another photo story might follow an expert

collector to see what is found and where.

We will also talk about the rules of lookingfor arrowheads, the restrictions which

some states and government laws placeon where we can look and how we can

look. Every different part of thecountry has different rules, so these

rules and legal guidelines will beexplored, based on the various

regions or states across the country.

Another aspect of the newsletter each month will be some stories

about sharing or trading withother collectors across the country.This way we can explore the many

different types of arrowheadsfound in the various regions.

Not only are there distinctivestyles from different areas,but there were very clearly

different ways of makingarrowheads and other

hunting weapons duringthe many vast eras orperiods of time which

have gone by during thelong history of human

use of this land.

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