Artifact classification?

[Jon Stewart]

What is the determining factor for having an item be an artifact? Is there a body of people, a science and expert? I wouldn't think a long time collector would have that authority?

I ask this only because posters put pictures up of items they find and ask that question probably because they don't know much like me. Some answer in a kind of rude way which is uncalled for. Some of us want to learn more about this hobby.

If I make a stone point and drop it in the woods and it is found a month later could that be classified as an artifact? At what age of an item makes it an artifact and what governing body makes that determination?

 

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[rock]

I thought we were in the ancient artifact area here. 500 years and before to me is ancient where I live at. As far as being rude typing shows no emotion and when you read it it at times will sound rude depending on how you understand it. There is no emotion in typing.

 

[Jon Stewart]

Rock, I am on the North American Indian Artifacts site. Not sure where ancient comes into play?

To make this clear on my end. I would like it debate free but yet want to learn factual info on artifact classifications.

 

[rock]

Debitage is a artifact to if you choose to keep it. I could of used a shovel to pick it up today if I wanted to keep it. Quartz
Anything touched by ancient man could be considered a artifact even a rock carried into his camp site and not chipped. But we as collectors choose what we decide to keep.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

What is the determining factor for having an item be an artifact? Is there a body of people, a science and expert? I wouldn't think a long time collector would have that authority?

I ask this only because posters put pictures up of items they find and ask that question probably because they don't know much like me. Some answer in a kind of rude way which is uncalled for. Some of us want to learn more about this hobby.

If I make a stone point and drop it in the woods and it is found a month later could that be classified as an artifact? At what age of an item makes it an artifact and what governing body makes that determination?

If someone is rude report it, but a member telling another member a rock is a rock isn't rude, what is rude is to encourage someone to collect rocks thinking they are artifacts.

When it comes to Indian artifacts making a point and losing it a month or a year later doesn't make it a lost artifact, its a lost repro....

 

[Jon Stewart]

Are there any publications I can view to answer any of my questions?

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Are there any publications I can view to answer any of my questions?

Lots of books to read, just look for them...

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Jon, I know this is directed at me and while I may be blunt in my answers I try my best not to be rude. The thing is some people just can't take the answers that they don't want to hear. Even worse is when several very knowledgeable people will say it's natural or not an artifact and then someone comes along and says it's a so and so and that is what they choose to believe.

You asked me in your PM if I had any professional training in Archaeology and my answer is no. But, I have been collecting artifacts since 1965 when I found my first pieces. I have been seriously collecting and studying artifacts for around 35 years. I put together a collection from every state except Hawaii and have studied the pieces very closely to see materials, flaking patterns, styles, etc of certain areas and states. I will put my knowledge of artifacts against most anyone. Come to a show sometime where I am set up and see how many people bring things by my table to get opinions on them.

Are there folks that know more than me? Why sure, probably quite a few. We are all learning about this awesome hobby every day. But I will give you a 100% honest answer if you put something on and ask what it may be. Sorry if I offended you or anyone else, but like Popeye, "I yam what I yam" and I'm not going to change.

 

[unclemac]

just to add a little to Grim Reaper...I have a group of friends that are professional archaeologists. Private sector not academicians. They are a wealth of information about a vast body of knowledge...but when it comes down to my very specific area and interest...I have more practical knowledge than they.