Scraper or Scrap?

[OntarioArch]

The unbroken portion of the curved edge of this piece is quite sharp; I could not decide if it was an artifact or just a large flake of flint...then I studied the flattened edge opposite the curved, sharp edge. I think I see this surface has been smoothed, rounded, worn down with a beautiful patina (I think...) ...like might be created by a hand working with this tool for years/generations.

Do you agree? If so, this is a truly a humbling artifact. Can you imagine how much work a muscled, calloused hand must have done with this very piece of stone....some thousands and thousands of years ago?? Fantastic.

 

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[crj1968]

Scraper/ knife. Purposely thinned out....Very cool...

Wherever it is you are finding this stuff, keep looking!

 

[OntarioArch]

Any ideas about how to age this type of Scraper?

 

[1320]

I would also agree with knife, broken one at that, appears the base is missing. Unfortunately, typology is impossible without the base. It's doubtful that the knife would have been used for years/generations. Native Americans for the most thrived in lithic rich environments and had access to plenty of material for tool renewal. A fresh tool would be used then resharpened, after a few cycles it would be tossed in favor of a new tool.

Still, this is a very good find and as previously mentioned, scour the area where you found it, you may even find the missing base.

 

[Old Pueblo]

Scraper I would say, although it does look broken. So maybe it was a knife or something. The angle of the 2nd photo clearly shows an artifact that was worked, especially around the edges. Flake debris has no signs of being worked, and if it does it is not flake debris but an actual tool. However, looks can be deceiving. Just dropping a flake on the ground or cattle trampling over it and unintentionally chipping a piece off the edge can make the piece look like it was intentionally worked, but it is not what it seems.

 

[Old Pueblo]

Probably prehistoric, although Native Americans made stone tools throughout the historic period all the way up to the present day.

 

[Twitch]

100% an artifact but I don’t think it’s a scrapper or scrap. Looks like a preform, blank, or other unfinished piece. I’m on my phone so I can’t see it real well but the flaking and form sort of suggests to me that it might be really old, like early to middle paleo. Might be off on that but it looks like Clovis manufacturing from afar. Cool find.

 

[sandchip]

I'd say a preform as well, one that looks broken. Hard to tell if something was done along the hinge where it broke though.

 

[crj1968]

Ah yes, I always forget about preforms ! Good call

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Agreed with what everyone has said so far.

 

[old digger]

Nice Find! Looks like an older piece.

Most likely utilized as a knife. I have found quite a few similar examples, and I sincerely believe the flat surface opposite the cutting edge is there for the purpose of griping piece without harming the hand or finger while in use.

 

[OntarioArch]

...the flat surface opposite the cutting edge is there for the purpose of griping piece without harming the hand or finger while in use.

And that surface is definitely worn....rounded over...smooth as can be..

 

[rock]

Could be any of the mentioned pieces. If its snapped as to what Im seeing it could also be the half of a flaked ax but thats just a guess seeing its broken we will never know. I have quite a few snapped in half and its always a clean snap like it was designed that way.

 

[pickaway]

Base to a small knife or preform with the tip missing.

 

[Trezurehunter]

Great looking artifact.

 

[OntarioArch]

Is there any weather/natural-aging explanation for what appears to be 'wear' on the flattened edge of this specimen? Is it legitimate to say that this type of smooth. rounded edge was caused by human hands? I have another large flake of chert that show similar smoothing.

 

[rock]

Its a snapped tool or preform might be just a half of something. Could of been used as is as a scraper. Flint breaks in many ways