Looking to purchase an arrowhead? It’s important to remember that you have a choice between
authentic prehistoric examples and those made in modern times that have been artificially treated
to look old. Arrowheads.com asked Joseph Mattingly, respected authenticator and owner of the
Indian Artifact Grading Authority (IAGA) to weigh in.
Regardless of their age, projectile points are produced by a lithic reduction process known as
flintknapping. Prehistoric Native Americans sourced and crafted arrowheads from locally
available sedimentary stone material suitable for knapping using region-specific lithic traditions.
While modern reproductions are made from those same materials and in a similar fashion, subtle
differences in patination, use-wear patterns, flaking styles, and the absence of mineral deposits
can give them away.
And as with any type of collectible that has value, unscrupulous individuals often referred to as
fakers, go to great lengths to make their arrowheads look authentic and sell them as such. In
recent years, fakers have routinely employed several methods of artificial aging to give their
arrowheads the appearance of antiquity.
Some of these include:
Chemical Treatments: Subjecting arrowheads to various acids, stains, or other compounds to
give them a weathered look.
Abrasion and Tumbling: Rubbing pieces with abrasive materials or putting them in rock
tumblers to mimic wear patterns found on authentic examples.
Artificial Coatings: Covering the surface of arrowheads with a foreign substance to give the
appearance of natural patination and cloak visible evidence of modern tooling.
Intentional Damage: Creating deliberate breaks, chips, rework, or other imperfections to give
the illusion of ancient use.
However, a knowledgeable expert or authenticator can differentiate between authentic and
reproduction with a high degree of certainty through microscopic analysis accompanied by
decades of experience and comparative study.
Buyer Beware! The idea of obtaining an outstanding prehistoric arrowhead for a fraction of its
market value is undeniably alluring for collectors. In reality, however, valuable authentic
artifacts rarely sell for far below their worth. Keep in mind that the marketplace is saturated with
reproductions being marketed as genuine authentic examples. Buyers should exercise abundant
caution when confronted with a deal that seems exceptional. The well-known phrase “too good
to be true” certainly exists for a reason. Be sure to purchase from a trusted resource and have
your arrowheads evaluated by a qualified expert if authenticity is important to you.
Which is better Authentic or Reproduction? Some people prefer reproduction arrowheads
because of the significantly lower cost to obtain them versus prehistoric examples that have
survived in the ground for thousands of years. Responsible modern flintknappers also sign their
works with ink or a diamond scribe creating their own collectible category. Others who buy
modern points may be trying to avoid purchasing prehistoric examples that were illegally
obtained. However, reputable artifact resources don’t buy or sell that type of material in order to
stay compliant with established collecting laws.
For traditional collectors, however, the significant history and fascination associated with
authentic prehistoric arrowheads cannot be replaced. These artifacts are sought after and
treasured because of their rarity and deep connection with the past. Authentic arrowheads have
also proven to be much better long-term investments than modern replicas.
What’s the Bottom Line? Native American Arrowhead enthusiasts can ensure that their
collections contain only authentic prehistoric examples through diligence, education, and
engaging expert evaluation resources. They can also elect to collect modern reproductions.
Ultimately, the choice is theirs.
- Arrowheads.com interviewed Joseph Mattingly, professional artifact authenticator, Indian Artifact Grading
Authority –
Joseph Mattingly (IAGA)
www.artifactgrading.com
502-741-3335 - Arrowheads.com
www.arrowheads.com
buyer@arrowheads.com