Very cool, they are a scarce item. You would think as long as they were used more would be found.
I have a feeling many are over looked by artifact hunters, since they don’t fit the typical form of something usually sought after. And often, any groove is full of dirt if in the field.
And then like this piece, being offered as a mini axe Some just don’t know what they have.
That is nice! Do you know where it was found?
I did buy one myself, back in the 90's, and unlike yourself, quito, I did not know what it was at the time, but bought it because it was a local piece. I believe it's slate...
View attachment 1586112
View attachment 1586113
View attachment 1586114
In New England, the earliest atlatl weights are the tie-on weights, and they are Early Archaic. They are called bowtie atlatl weights, from their shape. I have a few crude examples from an Early Archaic site. This rudimentary bowtie is nothing but a conveniently shaped piece of shale, notched at the base, thinning on the opposite side, with one wing damaged. Yet I love it, because it is what it is, they are hard to find, and beggars can't be choosers.
View attachment 1586116
View attachment 1586117
View attachment 1586118
View attachment 1586120
I know my eyes are not as good as they once were but I'm seeing rocks.Man Charl you have a lot of info. I am really curious as to where the illustrations came from. I find atlatl weights big and small. I usually only look for obvious workmanship but I found a piece of quartz that looked like it could of been used as an atlatl weight that matches the look of the one in the illustration from the east. I find a lot of worked quartz at this site from hammerstones, pestles discoidals. Here is a pic of the quartz piece that fits the description.
View attachment 1587529
View attachment 1587531
Also nice ebay find Quito.
Here are some pics of what could be atlatl counter weights a little creek worn.
The bottoms slightly rounded so the ends are elevated.
View attachment 1587536
View attachment 1587537
View attachment 1587538
View attachment 1587539
View attachment 1587540
View attachment 1587541
View attachment 1587542
The first one has a string line groove along the keel. It's shallow and not the most visible. The second 2 are pecked out on the bottom somewhat hollowed and well polished. These are just a few that I have found.
They are not the best examples and I'm just throwing them out there.
I know my eyes are not as good as they once were but I'm seeing rocks.