Indain Points of Western Oklahoma

[docmann]

Hello,
I'm new to the site. I'm a surface hunter of Indian artifacts in the western Oklahoma area, especially around Clinton. I've had some success over the past couple of years. Would like to hear of any success (or lack thereof) stories in and around my state. I have a few photos of pieces of marginal interest that I'd like to share if anyone is interested.
docmann

[Flintfinder of Mo.]

Welcome to The Artifacts Forum. I am from Mo. so I cant help you with your first request, but I would like to see your photos of what you are finding. John

[waynokan]

I am also a artifact hunter from western okla(Waynoka) and would be interested in seeing what you have found.

Waynokan

[PALEOMAN]

welcome to the forum! im from eastern colorado so were not that far apart. id love to see your pieces.

[11KBP]

I have a few photos of pieces of marginal interest that I'd like to share if anyone is interested.
docmann

I would love to see pictures of your finds docman. Plains and High Plains artifacts are my primary interest.

11KBP

[docmann]

My finds in this area are largely related to the Wichita People, a semi-nomadic tribe that existed here in the AD 1200 to 1450 time frame, or so I am told. I have a few pieces related to the mighty Cheyenne nation as they existed in and around this area in the mid to late 1800s. I do have a few pieces of history related to the Battle of the Wa--deleted--a, the confrontation between Custer and his 7th Cavalry, and Cheyenne chief Black Kettle. The Plains Indians are of great interest to me, especially the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Comanche, and Kiowa.
I have attached a photo of two Black Hematite Celts found last fall. The numbers behind the pieces represent a cm scale. These pieces are incredibly smooth, and contain enough iron to strongly attract a magnet.
I'll attempt to post regularly in the event there are some pieces of interest to any of the subscribers.
I have an excellent Brass US Cavalry rosette found around the Antelope Hills. This was the land mark identified by GA Custer of the 7th, and the point he turned back east to strike Black Kettle on the Washita River in '68. I have two live carbine cartridges found at that site also. I'll get the rosette photo out this evening (or at least attempt to).

docmann

[docmann]

John, Waynokan, Paleoman, and 11 KBP,
I'm sure this isn't real heavy stuff to you experienced lithic hounds, but I'm still finding my feet. I'll look forward to viewing some of your findings as well.
Thanks,

docmann

[11KBP]

Those celts are outstanding specimens docmann. Not only because of their quality but any artifact made of hematite is a rare find on the Plains!

Looking forward to seeing your other Late Prehistoric finds as well as the Indian Wars related items.

11KBP

[docmann]

Thanks 11KBP, I never get over the thrill of stumbling onto anything made by hands of centuries ago.
I've added a couple of other photos. These two items, while not that remarkable, are most striking for their color (which, incidentally, didn't reproduce well in the photos!). The first is a little blue Wichita point, and the second is an attractive little red bird point. These were both picked up in northern Washita county. I wish the color reproduced clear as these are really eye-grabbers.

[docmann]

The above two points were photographed under a magnifying glass which gives the edges a blurred and distorted look. Sorry about that. I have gotten a little better since shooting these.
docmann

[11KBP]

The above two points were photographed under a magnifying glass which gives the edges a blurred and distorted look.docmann

To get good close-ups you need a camera that has macro capabilities and I think most decent digitals nowadays will have that feature.

Nice side-notched Wa$hita ...great color on the red point.

[docmann]

Here is an interesting little scraper found out in extreme western Oklahoma. It's an eye-catching white scraper with an interesting feature. Notice along the cutting edge a rust color. I've often wondered if this could represent staining from the iron component (hemaglobin) of animal blood. It seems to be only on the cutting edge. I would like to solicit an opinion from some of you more learned archeologists. I'm not certain that blood will even stain flint. I suppose there are tests available that would determine this but I would sure hate to damage the piece. At any rate, it is an extremely attractive scraper. Any opinions?

[11KBP]

I've often wondered if this could represent staining from the iron component (hemaglobin) of animal blood. It seems to be only on the cutting edge. I would like to solicit an opinion from some of you more learned archeologists. Any opinions?

I'm not an archy but here is my opinion. I highly doubt you are seeing anything related to blood. I would say the color was either natural to the stone or the rust colored edge has had a slight exposure to heat. Thermal alteration will cause color changes in many cherts.

11KBP

[docmann]

11KBP,
Thanks for your opinion. I can't imagine iron pigment from blood lingering for 150 or more years, but it's nice to dream. This piece demonstrates a different color every time I photograph it, and none of the colors in the three above photos is actually that close. This is one of those pieces that just feels good in your hand, as a skinning piece, it's one of my favorites. I've got a few other photos I'll post along the way.
See ya,
docmann

[docmann]

11KBP,
By the way, I did a little research on my camera and found the macro adjustment. Sure makes life easier, but I feel a little bit like an idiot. Thanks again,
docmann