Indian artifact, what have I found?

[Audozer]

I found this baking in the sun on top of the ground while detecting near a natural spring in gold country California. I have found obsidian arrow heads and a couple partial spear points but this has me intrigued. I've never found one in this area made from this material and I'm curious if this is something other than a spear head due to its shape. It's obviously broken and the way it's broken seems odd in the fact that it looks as if it wouldn't have held its uniform shape due to the thickness at the break. I hope the pics show what I'm trying to describe. I guess the big question is what is it? And what is it made out of? Is there a way to tell its age in some general way? Thanks!

 

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[sawmill man]

You have a real nice heartbreaker. thats probably been a blade and a extremely nice one.

 

[grasshopper]

Have you tried posting on the Indian artifacts sub forum? Might get some more exposure.

Cool find!

 

[Audozer]

Thanks for the compliments and suggestions guys!

 

[Plug N Play]

 

[Audozer]

I'd say that's a damn strong argument that's more than likely the case but why do you figure they spent so much time finishing the edge on where you're pointing out that it contacts the staff? Why wouldn't they have spent the effort to give alittle more of a surface to attach the staff like they did with the one pictured here: also take a look at where it's broken, it seems that the blades thickness is out of proportion in that area in relation to the other finished edge areas. I guess basically what I'm trying to ask is what are the odds that this thing could be something other than a spear point?

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Looks like a paleo point, maybe agate basin or firstview, could also be a non-hafted hand knife.

I will move to artifact section to get more opinions from members with artifact knowledge.

 

[Audozer]

Thank you!

 

[Charl]

I think the reconstruction of the actual piece that Plug N Play suggested is a good bet. But, rather then hafted on a spear, as he suggested, I think it was more likely a knife. But, that's just my opinion. Still a nice find.

 

[PullTabSlayer]

That thing is beautiful. I found one just like it last week but mine has more of it broke off. Been scouring the creek in hopes of finding more of it

 

[lairmo]

That thing looks good up against your smashed thumb

 

[Plug N Play]

After the hunt, the part you found came home on the stick. The other part was left in the rib, spine , or skull that caused the break.

But, hey ... let's eat !

 

[ToddsPoint]

I've heard of that material but had never seen it. Looks like high quality stuff. Gary

 

[Audozer]

Thanks everyone, this area I found it in has produced a few broken points but all have been obsidian and pretty obvious what they were. In everyone's opinion, how would I go about determining a time frame or is it pretty much a shot in the dark?

 

[CHUDs]

I live in Santa Cruz and find similar material...Franciscan or Monterey chert.

 

[CHUDs]

In the Nevada City area, where I spend a bit of time, I find obsidian, basalt and jasper pieces...good luck! It’s a great area to hunt.