Spear Head

[cds7189]

I found this in a field in Belton, TX. I’m not an expert and wondering if anyone can shed some light on this item. I’m pretty sure it’s not a natural formation. The material is flint and I can see what looks like knapping marks on it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

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[Tdog]

I'd call that a preform--a piece awaiting further refinement.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

A preform, not near finished yet, Keep looking in that field.

 

[antmike915]

Definitely been worked on, I agree with it being a preform.

 

[Relicgrubber]

Tdog nailed it with Preform...

 

[LandSeig]

Nice! We were up there in Belton a month ago and I was driving by all of the freshly plowed fields, it was killing me not being able to go look.

 

[11KBP]

Could be a preform, but as rough as it is it may be a nearly expended core.

 

[newnan man]

I gotta go with 11. Thick with obvious flakes struck off for expedient knives. It got too thick and blades too short so they chucked it

 

[Tdog]

Those strikes I see are no more than 1/4" wide.

 

[newnan man]

Lots of flake blades are very small & sharp!

 

[cds7189]

Guys I appreciate your comments. With the weight at 221 grams and the size, it had to be thrown (chunked) or jabbed and not shot as an arrow I think. Not sure if it could have been used with an atlatl and would have to rely on you guys. Not experienced enough to identify it to be a preform but I’ll take your word for it.

 

[Tdog]

I've seen enough pieces similar to this one to admit that it could very well be an exhausted core. I just have trouble believing it would get tossed when it's big enough and is perfectly good material to use for a tool or weapon. I have quartz and quartzite pieces very much like this one.

 

[11KBP]

I've seen enough pieces similar to this one to admit that it could very well be an exhausted core. I just have trouble believing it would get tossed when it's big enough and is perfectly good material to use for a tool or weapon. I have quartz and quartzite pieces very much like this one.

I believe that can depend on the region the artifact is found.

In a lithic poor region this piece may be considered as a yet usable piece of toolstone. However in a lithic rich region a small chunky piece like this is not worth the effort to salvage something out of it when new toolstone is easy to obtain.

 

[cds7189]

I've seen enough pieces similar to this one to admit that it could very well be an exhausted core. I just have trouble believing it would get tossed when it's big enough and is perfectly good material to use for a tool or weapon. I have quartz and quartzite pieces very much like this one.

Sorry for not knowing but what is an exhausted core?

 

[Tdog]

Sorry for not knowing but what is an exhausted core?

A core is a mother stone from which smaller pieces are taken to make tools / weapons. An exhausted core is a used up core.

 

[Crumb]

I know what I’d do,I’d keep it and go back and look around some more. That’s a good sign,where there’s one there’s more.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Here is a large core, lots of material was still left to work with. A little smaller than a volleyball...

 

[Crumb]

Here is a large core, lots of material was still left to work with. A little smaller than a volleyball...

View attachment 2025258

I’ve found these too and Ive always wondered did they leave/hide this around their camps or would they tote them with them when they would move on to the next camp?

 

[Tesorodeoro]

Here is a large core, lots of material was still left to work with. A little smaller than a volleyball...

View attachment 2025258

In my area, you would never find something like this laying around. All cores I’ve found are micro in size. Think smaller than a walnut. Yet to find a preform but I’m relatively new to this.