Serious questions that I have

Shemanese

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As some of you remember I have posted some pics that have not been rec'd well. No problem. I am relatively new to artifact collecting, and my 'stuff' does not quite match up to the typical reference pics. I have classified things wrong, have been corrected without taking offense, (Thank You), and have made some newbie mistakes. But I still have some questions.

As I have explained before, I live in extreme NE Ohio. This area has had some unique NA (ancient) history. For a long time this area was a hunting ground only. They are still debating which ppls have lived here over the milleniums. They have flip flopped between Erie and Missasauga to name two. They also have named a group called the Whittesley ppl after a 19th century Military man who explored Ohio mounds and areas of interest.

This area also had some habitation by ppls who are closely associated to NY NA's. I am reading 'The Archaeology of NY State' by Ritchie for reference. These ppls had no pottery, no grooved axes, were hunter/gather's only, and some looked different from the typical NA build and stature. Some were called the 'Long Head's'. Some were 'Round Heads'. They practiced cannibalism. I'm not sure how unique that is, IIRC, the Iroqouis did that also. I'm not even sure if that's relevant. But I mention that to further explain some of these ppls. They were buried with scant articles. Some of their tools also looked different. The Beveled Adze is the diagnostic tool for one of these cultures. Found associated with no other ppls. A Gouge is associated with one culture, but not the previous ppls to occupy the area. I mention these to illustrate some differences between what is found in different parts of the country.

Questions I have are--

1. Does anyone have a reference to someone who specializes in NY-type cultures? Creekside Artifacts is no longer in business. I would imagine someone associated with ASO would be familiar with these types. I thot maybe someone who has been a long time member may have a good contact. Thanks

2. Since at least one of the NY cultures had no grooved tools, Does it make sense that there tools would look different and be hand held? This is a serious question as I have wondered about the evolution of tool forms from older to newer. I would think that a Grooved Ax followed another form of chopping tool . Much like any other tool, or object, has been refined and bettered after observation and use. A Beveled Adze or Plano-Convex Adze looks significantly different than other adze's that are posted from other parts of the country. I realize this is possibly a hypothetical question but it has bothered me re: my observations.

3. At least one of these ppls made dug out canoes. Chopping, digging and scooping tools would be needed. Does anyone have known examples of woodworking tools that were not hafted, (from earlier time periods), and look different? Would it be what many call a Chopper, Adze, Celt?

4. Ritchie has a short blurb re: crude effigies on artifacts found at one site. I would imagine most Archaeologists would be hesitant to report 'faces and symbols' found on artifacts. In all serious forums or discussions it is the 'kiss of death' to report seeing faces or symbols, other than crude stickman figures. Has anyone found an artifact that looks like it has man-made faces or symbols on it? Just curious..

5. What is the artifact called that would be like a hand held nutting stone, or is mortar-like but meant to be to be hand held. Most have smooth indents or areas, not necessarily rough pitted. An anvil, or is there a specific term? Thanks

6. I know mounds are usually taller and round. Have any been found that are laid parrell to each other, 3-4' wide, are in rows and not tall. Not saying I know where mounds are, but wonder what different shapes they are.

I want to iterate that I am not mocking anyone, (heck, I may have been the one someone was mocking). But I have some questions that I can not answer. I am looking for a contact for someone versed in artifacts that more closely resemble NY artifacts than ones from Ohio. University, Archaeologist, Historical Society, Collector, etc.

I also want to point out that I am new to collecting and make frequent mistakes. I also can get sidetracked with speculation. I am however, more than willing to admit my mistakes, and take constructive criticism, so that I may learn. Some of you are very learned in your areas of expertise. I appreciate your input. TIA
 

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Maybe getting a copy of eithier Converses or Leppers book on Ohio archaeology will help you out,You should be able to find Leppers book in library.However Converse book is much better but you'll have to buy it.do a google on Dr. Micheal R Gramley believe he's a NY archy...Good luck.
 

Hi Shemanese!

I too am new at this relic hunting. And relatively new to this board. So my insight is not why I'm posting as of a few days ago I've been researching the "Giant Indians"...some bones have been found about 30 miles south of my home. I was out yesterday doing a little corn field walking...and ran across something that 'looks' like a BIG spear. I hesitated posting because I feel others are tiring of my "is this anything" posts...but your questions are the same I have...the progression of NA tools. I look forward to what the "experts" post.

Welcome, enjoy and happy hunting:)
 

Guys n gals, every collector was new to this at one time, and we all picked up things that we thought were something that weren't, even held onto em for years, and discarded things that we should have held onto >:(.
Shamanese, as far as any "tribal name", its near impossible for anything over a couple thousand years old. You see, different tribes, or cultures migrated constantly for various reasons. One example is the Caddoan tradition that the first world was in the N.E. near the Ohio River, but the old ones left that dark world and came down here. Tradition also amoung them is that the Iroquoians are "Brothers". Well, recent DNA testing has shown that the DO have common anscestors dating back possibly five thousand years ago. Also, the tribe from which Arkansas gets its name....were living near the mouth of the Ohio in the mid 1600's!! So were the Osage and other Siouxan groups that we consider as plains Indians. Thats just a couple of instances on how they migrated. The Pawnee of Nebraska, and the Arikara of North Dakota....came from the "ArkLaTex" area around the 1200's as the mound building culture began to wane.
As far as axes being hand held, naw. Grooved axes are and older, less efficient form of axe. The handle was at the bottem, the lashings in the groove. They would become loose with usage.
Celts, ungrooved axes were technologicaly superior. They were weged in a socket of a wooden handle. The more they were used, the more secure they became in that handle.
Those are a lot of good questions you had here. I dont know all the answeres.
My info on Celts came from Greg Perino. He lived just half an hour from my house. I knew him pretty well.
 

Have No fear.
Post your Finds.
I Promise you.
you will Not Be attacked !

:coffee2:
 

I would like to see a BIG spear!

I have found things and posted them not knowing if they were real or not. Just to be safe I presume everything I post isn't real so my feelings aren't hurt when the word "geofact" is posted.
Sometimes when you are walking and see something you are so into what you're doing that it just HAS to be real and you go with it.
Being new at it is no excuse, POST THOSE PICTURES! Even if it's not an artifact I still like seeing cool shaped rocks!
 

Lets see, there are such things as hand held nutting stones. Sometimes these are called "Pitted Stones", and the pits are thought to facilitate gripping while being used as a hammer.
On the mound question, I've seen all types. Some are no taller than a couple of feet above ground level. Others, well, taller than a house. I've seen some that are long, and some that are round and rectangular. Some up north are effigies. One in Georgia resembles an Eagle. All kinds of shapes and sizes on mounds, and not all of them are burials. Some are for agriculture, results of years of occupation, some burial, yes, and the temple mounds of course. Some were built in floodable areas simply as a place to live on.
 

I can't understand why ppl get ticked off or embarrassed, when told they have posted geofacts. Everyone goes through this when they first start collecting, I know I did. As for objects that ppl have shown that are clearly not artifacts & they try to convince others they are, is going to create a debate. There are a lot of experienced/very knowledgable collectors on here. If one comes on here saying their rocks are artifacts, when they clearly are not or trying to convince the more experienced collectors that they have found a new type of point, well, they are opening themselves up for all kinds of criticism.
I think tactfulness is needed when heading ones posts, I know I would rather help someone who heads their post, 'what is it?' than someones post telling everyone what they think it is..
Everyone is here to learn, but I think respect is needed when the more advanced collectors have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Greg Perino. Also we have ppl here that have been collecting/studying ALL their lives & their fathers before them.

So my point is, post your finds, we love to see them, just don't be so quick to think you have genuine artifacts, just because some library book states that. I've seen many of book at the library thats just giving wrongful information.

Also, pick an advanced collector, work with them, in private, if one fears ridicule. At the end of the day nobody wants to be seen collecting Ole rocks/stones..

Just my 10 cents, I just want new collectors to feel comfortable on here. Lighten up a little too. I posted a stone on here a while back, thinking it looked like a cow, lol. They said it looked more like a bear but, was still only a geofact,no evidence to support otherwise.

Look forward to seeing everyones finds, thats what the forums here for. :)

Molly. :thumbsup:
 

here ya go....

This is what I love to do in my spare time so Geofact or not, it's still cool!

I'm taking my 5 yr. old nephew out to "treasure hunt" this Saturday (our first 'serious' hunt). See, it's all about the adventure and fun, or for me it is.

Enjoy and BE the treasure hunting fun, always:)
 

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Hello,
This site can probably help with what you are looking for http://www.gustavslibrary.com/archaeology.htm

They have books for almost every region that are very comprehensive and specific to periods and culture. There prices are very reasonable as well. I have several that have proven themselves in valuable.

Also you may want to check out the On-Line archaeological society or historical department within the state. They usually offer journals from various years that can be extremely beneficial. The journals that I have are written at a pretty high level (had to read it twice) but offer insight to why some things are found only in a given area due to environment, food sources and populations at a given time. They are also fairly inexpensive.

Good luck
Mark
 

vibes said:
Hi Shemanese!

I too am new at this relic hunting. And relatively new to this board. So my insight is not why I'm posting as of a few days ago I've been researching the "Giant Indians"...some bones have been found about 30 miles south of my home. I was out yesterday doing a little corn field walking...and ran across something that 'looks' like a BIG spear. I hesitated posting because I feel others are tiring of my "is this anything" posts...but your questions are the same I have...the progression of NA tools. I look forward to what the "experts" post.

Welcome, enjoy and happy hunting:)

Vibes
TreasureNet is for Everyone.

This should also Be addressed to Shemanese & Everyone else here Actually.

This place is for First Timers & Experts alike.
& Neither should be treated Differently.

Post away & Enjoy !

Jeff
 

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