Arrowheadology.com: Arrowheads, Indian Artifacts and Early Man

Arrowheadology Field Guide: Where to Look, Part 2

Posted on 10. Apr, 2009 by Big Ed in Archeological Excavations, Artifact Finds, Flint Artifacts, Miscellaneous

All things lost on the ground are eventually buried with time, including arrowheads. This is why creeks and rivers are prime places to hunt, especially where two or more sources of water join.  In the past, large waterways were often used as a means to quickly travel from one place to another; even smaller waterways and creeks can be a valuable source of arrowheads.

When hunting the open plains and prairies, search near rivers, streams, lakes and springs. These water sources were, and still are today, a draw for wild game that the ancients hunted. As such they are prime places to find arrowheads that were lost on a hunt. The best time to hunt is after a heavy rain. The rain washes away top layers of dirt, making it easier to see arrowheads. Also, as the water rushes down from higher ground to lower ground it creates washout areas. Look for signs of flint knapping and you will know that arrowheads will not be far away. Carefully work your way uphill using a flipping stick to turn over any rock or debris you come across. What looks like a rock covered in dirt may turn out to be a valuable arrowhead.

Campsites contain the most diverse array of artifacts. Keep in mind that only a very minor proportion of artifacts withstand the test of time. These are predominately stone artifacts in the form of projectile points, axes, various stone tools, and the occasional shell, bone or antler tool. Non-stone artifacts will only be preserved in favorable conditions. The best instance is the very dry conditions found in caves of the desert southwest. Here much of the original matting, baskets, fish traps, snares, arrow shafts complete with the fletching, sandals, etc. are found intact.

One advantage of large village type campsites is the diversity of artifacts found there. Artifacts can be found in many forms. Campsites will contain burned rocks from campfire rings, debitage (flint knapping debris), projectile points, and depending on your location, can also include mussel shells, snail shells, animal bone fragments, pottery shards, or beads.Of course, we are primarily after the projectile point. One question not easily answered is why are perfect projectile points found within campsites? Were they lost, discarded for some unknown reason, or were they abandoned? If only they could speak. In most cases, projectile points found within campsites will have been damaged in the ancient past. You will notice a large percentage of points have sustained impact damage to the distal end. Ancient folks most likely retrieved the arrow or atlatl shaft with the stone point still attached but damaged. This would be brought back to camp where it would be unfastened, discarded on the ground and a replacement fastened.

As a result, you may find a number of points broken in ancient times before you find a complete point. Don’t be discouraged. Think of the damaged point as a snapshot of time. Think of the story associated with that arrowhead. Who made it? What was it used for? Was it used for hunting to provide much needed sustenance for the tribe? Was it a deadly weapon used to ward off or even attack neighboring people? Did it hit its mark? Was it broken off in the side of some now extinct animal that was someone’s dinner thousands of years ago?

Look for Part 3 of “Where to Look for Arrowheads” coming soon!

Looking for Arrowheads, Part 1 can be found HERE.

Related Posts

1. Field Guide: Where to Look for Arrowheads, Part 3
2. Arrowheadology.com Field Guide: Where To Look, Part 1
3. Field Guide: Finding Authentic Arrowheads, Part 4