Discussion Requested - Please

[IMAUDIGGER]

I have several items that I’d love to hear some input on. Type of tool, name, suggested use, and estimate on age would be great if possible.. as said before, I’m aiming to learn.

So far I’m refining my eye and seeing things I passed up previously. Things that were just rock and waste are now being looked at differently.

All found in Northern Ca. In two locations.

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

Multiple batteries going dead.....

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Ok here is something that was found at “Site A”.

I’ll just post the pictures and leave it at that to see what you all think.

 

[Garscale]

Looks like glass

 

[smokeythecat]

Or obsidian or a high quality black flint. It's always hard to tell when they are not in hand.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Obsidian for sure.

Can’t find anything in any of the databases that look similar.

Is it a projectile?

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Should mention, it was dropped and the tip glued back on...

 

[unclemac]

if you are looking for a "name" that is not actually very helpful. What you do have is a simple expanding stem projectile point made from obsidian most likely Classic or Historic period.

 

[smokeythecat]

On the East Coast here most of those are projectile points, either arrowheads or spear points depending on the size and on the East Coast, it would probably be mid to late archaic period. I don't know the West Coast types. Projectilepoints.com should give you a name. Check by state.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

if you are looking for a "name" that is not actually very helpful. What you do have is a simple expanding stem projectile point made from obsidian most likely Classic or Historic period.

Thank you that helps a bunch.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Here is another...

“Site B” #1 (same place that battered hand maul was found)







Is there a way to date this?
(Probably same era)

This was also found today...laying on top of the leaves, where someone (myself or family) tossed it after briefly looking at it without understanding.

Was it common to retouch (is that the correct terminology?) the underside?
That’s opposite from the last thumb scraper I posted. Sure looks heavily used.

Did they purposely worked the chert to have this angled shape or just take advantage of a flake?

Was the front profile (first pic) left fat so it could be sharpened?

 

[Tdog]

I love the last one--a unifacial, scraping/cutting tool.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

I love the last one--a unifacial, scraping/cutting tool.

Very lightly worked. That’s why it got tossed by someone. Maybe not finished maybe used up? IDK

I’m getting feedback from those around me that I’m getting crazy and using my imagination too much....I think I’m just starting to figure this out.

 

[unclemac]

those sorts of objects were quick to make and discarded after they served a purpose.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

those sorts of objects were quick to make and discarded after they served a purpose.

I call them Expediate Tools. Made quickly for one use and then most likely tossed.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Ok this one might be my imagination running away...but it’s out of place with all the angular rocks laying around. A chopper would have a flaked edge...could it just be worn out? It’s kind of more of an abrasive stone than a really hard stone. More like the material I’m finding mano’s made out of. Found near everything else.

Possible worn artifact or natural?










Of course there is a natural way you want to grab it, with a low spot where the thumb would go...I know it doesn’t matter if it fits the hand well.

 

[southfork]

The obsidian point has the general shape of a Wendover Date:
Cultural Period:
7,000 - 5,000 B.P.
Middle Archaic
Middle Holocene to Neoglacial

Glacial Period:
Elko Cluster if your in upper N. California

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

The obsidian point has the general shape of a Wendover Date:
Cultural Period:
7,000 - 5,000 B.P.
Middle Archaic
Middle Holocene to Neoglacial

Glacial Period:
Elko Cluster if your in upper N. California

I guess what’s throwing me off is the fact that there is only one pronounced notch, with the other one being so minor. I was thinking that would be a certain style.
Maybe a flaw in the material prevented a symmetric notch...or maybe just wasn’t worth the time?

 

[unclemac]

it was a poor flake to begin with, so the less pronounced notch on the other side most likely reflects just that ...it looks to be an arrowhead based on its size, so I doubt it to be of great age, I like it more in the hundreds of years old as opposed to thousands.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

I don’t have it in my hands, but was told it does have a thick cross section.

I thought bow and arrow technology has been around for thousands of years?