My Grandpas Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Charmin · Mar 31, 2009

My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Here is another frame of my Grandpa's. I think most of these are Knives(?) and some larger points. There is also an arrow shaft straightener/smoother made of sandstone(at least I think that's what it is--correct me if I'm wrong!).
There are lots of different materials on this frame--does anyone know if there's a website that shows material specimens? Something I could compare these to? I know there is the "Oklahoma/Kansas/Missouri Projectile Points" websites and that helps alot with type but not material.
The largest knife(red on right side of frame) measures 6 inches long by 2 inches wide.
Thanks for looking and any help/info. you might have!! sandcreek4

Neanderthal · Mar 31, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

The vast majority (if not all) of those came from the KS/OK border, around Kay County most likely. Your sandstone piece is an abrading stone. The materials seem to be mainly (heated and unheated) Florence "A" and "B" ("A" variety is Kay County chert, the "B" variety is white, light grey or yellow and often has spicules), Foreacre (the fossiliferous dark colored black / gray chert), Reed Springs (mottled gray & white), Woodford (two tone dark chocolate brown), Jaspers, Keokuk (white with light gray mottled inclusions and vugs), and permian flint hills cherts.

Alot of Hopewell points in that frame, one Haskell, Harahey, large Caddo blade, Neosho or Cupp (can't tell from the image), and your large Kay Co. triangle blade could possibly be a Calf Creek preform.

Charmin · Mar 31, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Neanderthal said:
The vast majority (if not all) of those came from the KS/OK border, around Kay County most likely. Your sandstone piece is an abrading stone. The materials seem to be mainly (heated and unheated) Florence "A" and "B" ("A" variety is Kay County chert, the "B" variety is white, light grey or yellow and often has spicules), Foreacre (the fossiliferous dark colored black / gray chert), Reed Springs (mottled gray & white), Woodford (two tone dark chocolate brown), Jaspers, Keokuk (white with light gray mottled inclusions and vugs), and permian flint hills cherts.

Alot of Hopewell points in that frame, one Haskell, Harahey, large Caddo blade, Neosho or Cupp (can't tell from the image), and your large Kay Co. triangle blade could possibly be a Calf Creek preform.

You cannot imagine how much this helps us, Neanderthal! You are a veritable fountain of knowledge and I thank you again for your input! Grandpa would have been so happy to know all this---he had one book that my mom bought him before he passed away and he almost wore it out looking through it! Having a place to post these things and get an immediate response about them would have been amazing to him. Thanks to everyone else, too for looking and giving opinions on this stuff!! Kind Regards, sandcreek4

Neanderthal · Mar 31, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Sand, there are two great resources for lithic materials in your area. The first one is a book written by Larry Banks for the OAS years ago. It's called "from mountain peaks to alligator stomachs". If you EVER see this book, buy it immediately if at all possible. There were only around 100 copies of it made and they were distributed only to OAS members. Even Larry himself can't get these books anymore (I've asked him), and they are more rare than hen's teeth. I have two copies of it, and the last one I had to give over $200 for. I've given alot more for certain publications and I consider $200 cheap for the plethora of information it contains. It covers lithic materials for Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Tex, and even alot for Colorado and New Mexico. It shows the quarries, the varieties, distribution, etc.

Another good resource is Don Dickson. Don is a good friend and lives in Gentry Arkansas. He knows more about lithic materials than just about anyone you could hope to meet. He excavated Calf Creek Cave and named the point type. He wrote the book "Prehistoric Native Americans in the Ozarks", which everyone should have for their library. He owns what is probably the largest lithic library in private hands, from east to west. He even helped provide the Smithsonian with many of their lithic samples. I have started photo documenting his lithic library for posterity. I am taking very high resolution images of each lithic type and will have all information included with it. I have learned TONS from doing this, there are thousands of samples to record. It's a time consuming endeavor and it will be quite a while before finished, but I feel it's very important to do. Don is my "go-to" person when I'm unsure on a material, a vast fountain of knowledge.

There also is a new publication put out by the Missouri Arch Society I believe, you may want to check into it.

Matt

RobKruzan · Mar 31, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Awsome stuff you have there love the materials...

Matt knows his stuff and his post show it.

Charmin · Mar 31, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

RobKruzan said:
Awsome stuff you have there love the materials...

Matt knows his stuff and his post show it.

Thank you again, Rob for the kind words! sandcreek4

The Grim Reaper · Apr 1, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

Another awesome tray of artifacts sandcreek. Your grandpa really had a eye for beautiful pieces. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

Matt, I have a question. Do you think the large center blade is Paleo?

Charmin · Apr 1, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

DorkFish said:
Another awesome tray of artifacts sandcreek. Your grandpa really had a eye for beautiful pieces. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

Matt, I have a question. Do you think the large center blade is Paleo?

Thanks Dorkfish--Grandpa walked many miles for these pieces! And would be so happy that you all are enjoying them!!!
regards, sandcreek4

Neanderthal · Apr 1, 2009

Re: My Grandpa's Collection of Artifacts Frame #2

DorkFish said:
Matt, I have a question. Do you think the large center blade is Paleo?

I don't believe it is DF. I have seen (and found) several like it and have always seen them come from very late sites. They may be associated with Harahey somehow, as I find them on the same sites alot. I do believe they are Caddoan, or at least of that age.