Were slate tools used?

[bcarmack1]

I know slate is not ideal because it can break easy but ive never seen an edge like this?


Also does anyone know what period this point is from, ive never found this type before, wish it was whole

 

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[Indian Steve]

The Slate piece looks worked to me.

 

[Tnmountains]

It does looked worked for sure and like it has bit. What area are you in? The point would have been a nice one.

 

[bcarmack1]

South west arkansas caddo river, im positive its an indian site, thats why i was wandering

 

[unclemac]

the slate pieces that I have seen have a ground edge not a chipped edge. I do not think that is an artifact.

 

[bcarmack1]

Ok ya might not be. Thanks for helpin me !

 

[Charl]

I'm not sure that piece is slate, but, it does look worked. Just in general, in places like North Carolina and Va., chipped stone points and other tools made of slate from the Carolina slate belt are common enough. So yes, slate was used for flaked or chipped stone artifacts. New England argillite is also argillaceous slate, and was used extensively in that region as well. Finally, among the Maritime Archaic people of Maine and Canada, and elsewhere in the Northeast among Brewerton related cultures, ground slate was utilized for points and other tools.

But, just as a general answer to your initial question, yes, slate was commonly used to fashion flaked stone tools where it is commonly found. Not sure it would be anyone's first choice, but it was clearly sourced if need be....

http://rla.unc.edu/publications/pdf/resrep25.pdf

 

[joee5]

You Google it?

 

[southfork]

I have found a lot of slate artifacts out west not the best material but if you were in a hurry .

 

[bcarmack1]

Thanks i definitely learned something new! I'll hold on to the piece just in case

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Your piece has an edge on it like our Stone Hoes from my area. The Hoes we find though are made from a very dense and hard stone we call Waverly Sandstone.

Here's a few pictures of the Hoes we find here. You can see the similar flaking on the edges, but these all show lots of polish from extensive use. I have a feeling your piece may actually be part of a Slate Roof Tile and not and artifact at all.