A lot of the archaic sites i discover, are full of large blades, chopping tools, exhausted points with the occasional 1st stage point or blade, and a variety of hammerstones. My area has very little chert but an abundance of high quality quartz. I've replicated quartz points and tools using only quartzite rocks and deer antlers. That is one tough rock to work. It makes me truly appreciate the craftsmanship when i stumble upon an archaic site. It aslo amazes me of how many sites are still laying right on top of the ground to this day. I believe off the evidence i see, the tool kit involved a couple sized hammerstones. One side usually ground smooth (not sure if for ergonomic or what other funtional purpose). I also find 10 or so broken wuartz blades. They usually very thick in size and the edges are wavy instead of linear. I'll also see broken or exhausted projectile points with the occasional broken knife blade. The knife blades are generally thinner and more commonly mistaken for a projectile point, like my hunting buddy always does. I've discovered campsites, and kill sites. Archaic campsites are mostly on a ridge or gap, with a spring close by. I usually find broken points and a few complete smokers. Campsites are where i also find the hammerstones. The kill sites are closer to the creek. I'd imagine its where the animal finally died, plus it would be easier to wash up as well. Kill sites are where I'll see large chopping stones, big knife blades, debitage, and small flake tools. Finding points is cool, but i find much joy in discovering an entire site and piecing it all together. I've tried replicating it over the last 3 years. I've sat in the woods by the campfire making stone points for both the atlatl and arrowhead, while the wild clay pot cooked in the firepit. I've lived where they lived, and experienced the weather through all the seasons. I understand why they chose this ridge and not that ridge. A lot of it has to do with the wind and sun. They didnt necessarily live right next to water. You wake up damp and cold. Everything is wet every morning. They slept high away from the bugs as well. Life was tough back then. As time goes on we found ways to make easier and more simple. I wonder if the same could be said then, why the technology changed and the points became simple and mass produced?
Without a doubt, the tips and techniques of rock work evolved according to the hunting artifact that the natives used over time. Spear, Atlatl, bow. BLESSINGS TO MY GREAT FRIEND.
It's called material utilization. I'm sure they used all their materials to their maximum extent. Just like my parents who went through the depression and hard times. My mom and Dad utilized everything they could. The tribe or clan was a community and in my opinion they had to use everything to maximize the chances of survival. Thank you for showing your finds. You have a beautiful assortment of tools. I like that hammer stone a d said so when you found it. That big point or blade that's broken with the red stripe is awesome to bad its broke. God Bless and looking forward to seeing more of your videos and finds.
Glad to see this one brother Z. Love the Hammer stone. And I agree 100 about "Utilization" and have always disagreed with the "Preform" thing. And yes trying to argue with people who believe the Natives didn't use almost all the flakes being struck is impossible. Nice to listen to ya chat brother Z. I think you know I've been waiting for this one. Many blessings my friend.
I agree with everything you're saying I'm from Central Missouri and I find same kind of stuff its beautiful stuff. May be sort of primitive looking and not perfect like most people like but those kinds of artifacts are my favorite
You’re doing way better than me brother. And I believe you are correct, I have many big blades that fit perfectly in the hand that some would call a preform but there is no way, it’s a tool, there was no need to haft everything.👍🇺🇸
Nice finds mr ZZZ do you know anything about prayer stones i have one i found a long time ago i was going to send a picture but it didn't go through thanks for sharing
Very interesting take on the Archaic preform and whether it's a finished knife or something to become......most likely both. You did your best to explain how the technology was lost in later cultures like Hopewell and Adena. That's like saying the first automobile, made in 1898, was better than my 2020 Ford Explorer. Can you elaborate on that a bit more. Thanks again. James
How can we know for sure? I have many rocks like this and I don't know whether there is any way to prove it natural or worked. there are too many forces, pressures, events, circumstances, over too many millions of years, that bear upon what a rock looks like - I say this only re: groundstone.
From a rock snapper tool collector you may find it interesting that the tool being worked down then create a point. Well I have went after a lot of worked tools. Have to disagree. The knowledge of stone goes beyond assuming anything. Stone used for most tools is not good point stone. Literally they knew there was issues in that rock. Oh that line in the hammerstone is generally where two types of joined. That weld or connection of two types of material is extremely strong. So what we assume is often ridiculous at best. Get a rock and bone and get to snapping some stone. Then put that knowledge into action and you will discover real quick how much of this crap is just that crap.
![5 months of work to reveal this rare fossil! [unknown species]](/img/n.gif)
Very informative and knowledgeable Nice finds enjoyed watching thanks for sharing and good luck on your next outdoor adventure
A lot of the archaic sites i discover, are full of large blades, chopping tools, exhausted points with the occasional 1st stage point or blade, and a variety of hammerstones. My area has very little chert but an abundance of high quality quartz. I've replicated quartz points and tools using only quartzite rocks and deer antlers. That is one tough rock to work. It makes me truly appreciate the craftsmanship when i stumble upon an archaic site. It aslo amazes me of how many sites are still laying right on top of the ground to this day. I believe off the evidence i see, the tool kit involved a couple sized hammerstones. One side usually ground smooth (not sure if for ergonomic or what other funtional purpose). I also find 10 or so broken wuartz blades. They usually very thick in size and the edges are wavy instead of linear. I'll also see broken or exhausted projectile points with the occasional broken knife blade. The knife blades are generally thinner and more commonly mistaken for a projectile point, like my hunting buddy always does. I've discovered campsites, and kill sites. Archaic campsites are mostly on a ridge or gap, with a spring close by. I usually find broken points and a few complete smokers. Campsites are where i also find the hammerstones. The kill sites are closer to the creek. I'd imagine its where the animal finally died, plus it would be easier to wash up as well. Kill sites are where I'll see large chopping stones, big knife blades, debitage, and small flake tools. Finding points is cool, but i find much joy in discovering an entire site and piecing it all together. I've tried replicating it over the last 3 years. I've sat in the woods by the campfire making stone points for both the atlatl and arrowhead, while the wild clay pot cooked in the firepit. I've lived where they lived, and experienced the weather through all the seasons. I understand why they chose this ridge and not that ridge. A lot of it has to do with the wind and sun. They didnt necessarily live right next to water. You wake up damp and cold. Everything is wet every morning. They slept high away from the bugs as well. Life was tough back then. As time goes on we found ways to make easier and more simple. I wonder if the same could be said then, why the technology changed and the points became simple and mass produced?
Great information! Thanks for sharing 😊
Without a doubt, the tips and techniques of rock work evolved according to the hunting artifact that the natives used over time. Spear, Atlatl, bow. BLESSINGS TO MY GREAT FRIEND.
Looks like an awesome quarter to me,brother Zzzzzz 😎👊!!!
It's called material utilization. I'm sure they used all their materials to their maximum extent. Just like my parents who went through the depression and hard times. My mom and Dad utilized everything they could. The tribe or clan was a community and in my opinion they had to use everything to maximize the chances of survival. Thank you for showing your finds. You have a beautiful assortment of tools. I like that hammer stone a d said so when you found it. That big point or blade that's broken with the red stripe is awesome to bad its broke. God Bless and looking forward to seeing more of your videos and finds.
I wanna do a 1/4 of a year finds......
Glad to see this one brother Z. Love the Hammer stone. And I agree 100 about "Utilization" and have always disagreed with the "Preform" thing. And yes trying to argue with people who believe the Natives didn't use almost all the flakes being struck is impossible. Nice to listen to ya chat brother Z. I think you know I've been waiting for this one. Many blessings my friend.
I agree with everything you're saying I'm from Central Missouri and I find same kind of stuff its beautiful stuff. May be sort of primitive looking and not perfect like most people like but those kinds of artifacts are my favorite
Hey brother z you have done well. Thanks for sharing good luck out there
nice find
You’re doing way better than me brother. And I believe you are correct, I have many big blades that fit perfectly in the hand that some would call a preform but there is no way, it’s a tool, there was no need to haft everything.👍🇺🇸
Nice finds mr ZZZ do you know anything about prayer stones i have one i found a long time ago i was going to send a picture but it didn't go through thanks for sharing
Very interesting take on the Archaic preform and whether it's a finished knife or something to become......most likely both. You did your best to explain how the technology was lost in later cultures like Hopewell and Adena. That's like saying the first automobile, made in 1898, was better than my 2020 Ford Explorer. Can you elaborate on that a bit more. Thanks again. James
How can we know for sure? I have many rocks like this and I don't know whether there is any way to prove it natural or worked. there are too many forces, pressures, events, circumstances, over too many millions of years, that bear upon what a rock looks like - I say this only re: groundstone.
From a rock snapper tool collector you may find it interesting that the tool being worked down then create a point. Well I have went after a lot of worked tools. Have to disagree. The knowledge of stone goes beyond assuming anything. Stone used for most tools is not good point stone. Literally they knew there was issues in that rock. Oh that line in the hammerstone is generally where two types of joined. That weld or connection of two types of material is extremely strong. So what we assume is often ridiculous at best. Get a rock and bone and get to snapping some stone. Then put that knowledge into action and you will discover real quick how much of this crap is just that crap.