Possibly a knife? And how do you determine age of an artifact that isnt a point?

[-=METAL=-]

Possibly a knife? And how do you determine age of an artifact that isn't a point?

What's up guys,

Went on a quick hunt after work before the sun went down, not much time to look, but I guess I got lucky
Looks like a knife with a broken, reworked tip. Can anyone explain to me how to get an approximate time period on an artifact that isn't an arrowhead? I'm really curious as to how old this might be, could it go back to late archaic?
Thanks in advance guys.

 

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[silversurfer1111]

Yes its a knife..I'm an expert so you can trust me on that.lol

 

[NCPeaches]

It's my understanding that you need a base to know the time period, at least that is what I was told by our local archeologist. Here is a knife/scraper I found that was probably a Savannah River spear point at one time.

 

[redbeardrelics]

Sometimes you can get an idea of age if it is a "known" knife or tool style, with established dates for that artifact type in your area. Pretty vague I know, but truth is most of these artifacts, points included, are generically typed, and dated, and educated estimations and guesses are as good as it gets most times. I don't see anything style or type wise on that particular artifact to help much with dating. It appears to be rhyolite material with basic bifacial percussion thinning. The material looks to have significant patina, so I would not be surprised if it is a mid to late archaic piece. Sometimes the other artifacts found in association can be an aid in dating, but most 'sites' are probably multi component, and are not exclusive enough time wise, to provide reliable clues.

 

[Charl]

METAL, I think redbeardrelics hit the nail on the head. But, if you don't mind, I'd like to help you spend your money You're going to find much more then projectile points, and if you don't have it already, this guide from the Massachusetts Archaeological Society is a great investment.
It serves as an excellent resource, with Wm. Fowler's illustrations. He was one of the best artifact illustrators ever, IMHO. Good enough to even tell what the lithic material is in his illustrations. Jeff Boudreau's projectile point guide, also available from MAS, is the best regional point guide, but this spiral bound guide describes everything else you can find surface hunting sites in southern New England.

A Handbook of Indian Artifacts from Southern New England - Massachusetts Archaeological Society / Robbins Museum of Archaeology

 

[rock]

Nice knife/ scraper find

 

[-=METAL=-]

Thank you everyone for the information, you guys always come through. Charl, I've just ordered the book, thank you for the recommendation I can't wait to get it. I was kind of hoping you could get a rough judgement by the patina, but oh well.