Argillite Lanceolate Blade, Maybe

[OntarioArch]

Found among plenty of chert points, other artifacts, on an obvious camp / village site. Well worn, for sure, but I think I see one 'ear' still left at the base.

Could this be made of argillite? An 'inferior lithic' according to Boudreau: known to be softer, more susceptible to weathering than chert; and because of its poor fracturing characteristics, argillite points were just shaped - not thinned. Argillite points were made on large flakes that were as thin as the finished product. Thus, the lack of flaking patterns typical of chert points.

Picture here a Stark point, and yesterday's suspected argillite lanceolate piece.

 

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[joshuaream]

What does the side profile look like? It should have pretty strait edges and a lenticular cross section.

 

[OntarioArch]

 

[Charl]

Well, the lanceolate piece is made from Lockatong argillite, sourced in NJ and Pa. Since you have Boudreau's guide, you'll note that he mentions a surprising number of Fox Creek points found in southern New England are made from that particular lithic. The Fox Creek folks did favor that lithic, and it's likely your piece is a Fox Creek Lanceolate.

It always surprised me that these people made it a preferred lithic, enough to import it from a distance. It weathers very poorly. I just imagine there must have been some "cultural" reason for this preference, since there were any number of better lithics in my region to choose from.

 

[MAMucker]

Well, the lanceolate piece is made from Lockatong argillite, sourced in NJ and Pa. Since you have Boudreau's guide, you'll note that he mentions a surprising number of Fox Creek points found in southern New England are made from that particular lithic. The Fox Creek folks did favor that lithic, and it's likely your piece is a Fox Creek Lanceolate.

It always surprised me that these people made it a preferred lithic, enough to import it from a distance. It weathers very poorly. I just imagine there must have been some "cultural" reason for this preference, since there were any number of better lithics in my region to choose from.

Couldn’t agree with you more.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Well, the lanceolate piece is made from Lockatong argillite, sourced in NJ and Pa. Since you have Boudreau's guide, you'll note that he mentions a surprising number of Fox Creek points found in southern New England are made from that particular lithic. The Fox Creek folks did favor that lithic, and it's likely your piece is a Fox Creek Lanceolate.

It always surprised me that these people made it a preferred lithic, enough to import it from a distance. It weathers very poorly. I just imagine there must have been some "cultural" reason for this preference, since there were any number of better lithics in my region to choose from.

Maybe that's the only quarry they could use without getting shot. Gary

 

[uniface]

It's decent-enough stuff when freshly knapped. It just deteriorates markedly.