Shell Knife?

[hellokelly]

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[hellokelly]

This can be deleted I guess.

 

[newnan man]

I believe it is just a broken shell. I don't see any edge that has been sharpened.

 

[ToddsPoint]

I've never heard of a shell being used as a knife. Would it work? Shell is pretty soft. Gary

 

[Quartzite Keith]

The Jamestown settlers reported that the Powhatans used knives made from broken mussel shells to butcher animals, so you are at least on solid ground with the overall concept. Without some type of high tech testing, I don't know how you could tell on a piece like that. One approach would be to research it and see if anything similar has been found on archaeological sites in your region.

 

[newnan man]

Shell here in Florida was used extensively. Hammers, chisels, bowls, etc. Just google Florida shell tools. I have quite a few, even a shell plumment. When I get a chance I'll post them. Tom Clark on this site is also known as "The Shellman". Maybe if he sees this post he will show us some of his collection.

 

[arrow86]

I can see why you would pick it up but not sure you could verify it’s an artifact shells break naturally with sharp edges and that layered look so unless there was clear work shown I would think just a natural break

 

[newnan man]

Here are pics of actual shell tools. Notice the edges are ground to chisel like ends. Also a shell plumment. All found in the Titusville Florida area about 5 miles from the famous Windover site.

 

[tomclark]

In Florida, in places where there is little to no stone to knap and use for tools they used shells. These are Macrocallista (Sunray Venus Clam) knives. I probably have a hundred lol. Been lucky. This particular shell can be knapped it is harder than regular clam. They worked the upper third of these for some reason and also worked the whole edge on some. I think that means different uses. I made up on quickly once and used it to scale fish. It worked perfectly. The ones with worked smaller ends work real nice to cut conch meat and take out clams, etc from their shells.

 

[tomclark]

Clam (Mercenaria) was also used extensively for scrapers, anchors, anvils and to make a chalky powder.