Indian Arrowhead Collectors
John Berner
Authentic Clovis points in private & museum collections.
It has been estimated by professional archaeologists in United States that the average flint knapper can produce about 500 to 2500 flint reproductions per year. With more than 500 active knappers throughout the 48 states, that equates to about 25,000 to 125,000 new reproductions every year.
Jon Dickinson
The Certificate of Authenticity and Prehistoric Artifact Collecting
Pioneers of Artifact COA’s The Genuine Indian Relic Society (GIRS) began a program in the 1970’s where they issued “certificates of authenticity” (COA) at artifact shows. The idea
Brock Smith
The Natchez Prehistoric Canoe
During a spring flood in 1974, a rescue party in search of two missing persons made an unusual discovery. While searching along the sandy banks of the Homochitto River south
David Rowlands
David Rowlands
Over the course of the last year, and especially during the past six months, I’ve been confronted with the most basic of decisions. Was I going to run my company
Gary Fogelman
Gary Fogelman
COA’s (Certificate of Authenticity) Mostly Worthless Certificates of Authenticity perhaps meant something at one time, back when only one or two people were doing it, worthy people too, trying
John McCurdy
John McCurdy
Since finding bannerstones is such a rare occurrence, most collectors turn to buying banners. As with all artifacts, the more desirable the relic type, the more reproductions one must wade
John Carter
HORSE CREEK CHERT ARTIFACTS
Charles E. Moore Florence, Alabama Central States Archaeological Journal OCTOBER, 1998VOLUME 45 NUMBER 4 Horse Creek chert is among the most beautiful flint types ever used by Native Americans.
Indian Arrowheads: A Journey into Native American History
Indian Arrowheads: A Journey into Native American History Step back in time and embark on a captivating exploration of Native American history as we delve deep into the world of
The Overstreet Legacy
Robert M. Overstreet was born in West Virginia and grew up in southeast Tennessee. He collected comic books, fossils, mineral specimens and Indian relics
Something Extraordinary
Extraordinary is defined as “very unusual or remarkable.” The points shown here certainly live up to this description.
I Inherited An Arrowhead Collection
Are you the proud owner of a collection of inherited arrowheads, unsure of what to do with them? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in possession of these historical
Inherited Arrowhead Collection
Are you the proud owner of a collection of inherited arrowheads, unsure of what to do with them? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in possession of these historical
Clues to the Past
Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol. 58, No. 3 (July 2011), pp. 162–163 Central States Archaeological Societies, Inc. At top: The Ivory Billed Woodpecker (center) was thought to be the inspiration
Plummets from the Lower Illinois River Valley, New Canton, Pike Co, Illinois
by Korhan B. Raif M.D. Barry, Illinois Central States Archaeological Societies 2017 April Journal The four plummets illustrated were all found around New Canton in Pike County, Illinois. They are
Plummets
By Ben Thompson Kirkwood MO. Reprinted from the Central States Archaeological Journal April 1975 Why such a name? The name plummet is applied because of the similarity of many specimens
Mississippian Ritual Weaponry
Originally published in the Central States Archaeological Journal July 1981 by David H. Dye, University of Memphis At top: Figure 1. Raptor talon effigy bifaces excavated from a house floor,
Buyer Beware- A Guide To Buying And Selling Ancient Indian Artifacts
Written by Matt Dorso – Knoxville TN “Caveat emptor” is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware.” It serves as a warning to potential buyers that they
The Carter Bannerstone
Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol. 58 No. 3 by Rodney M. Peck, Kannapolis, North Carolina One of the most beautiful bannerstones from the southeast is known as the Carter bannerstone(Figure
What to Do with Inherited Arrowheads
Are you the proud owner of a collection of inherited arrowheads, unsure of what to do with them? You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in possession of these historical
The Indian Relic Collector’s Rights and Remedies Under The Law
Featured Article from The Redskin, Volume XIV Number two, 1979, by Prosecuting Attorney, Tommy Tucker
How To Tell If Your Arrowheads Are Real
Uncovering the Secrets of Arrowhead Authentication: How to Tell if Your Arrowheads are Real Arrowheads are fascinating pieces of history that have captured the attention of collectors for decades, but
Local Participation Guarantees Success for Your Artifact Show
Native American Artifact/ Relic Event planning involves the process of organizing and coordinating all the necessary elements to make an event successful. It includes a wide range of tasks such
It is time to Change Things!
by Steven R. Cooper – Central States Archaeological Journal – editor/ Who’s Who in Indian Relics – author / The Overstreet Guide to Indian Arrowheads – editor The other week I
A Guide on Where to Sell Authentic Indian Arrowheads
If you want to sell authentic Indian arrowheads, you have several options for getting top dollar for your artifacts. From online auctions and specialized outlets to antique shops and art
Where To Buy Genuine Indian Arrowheads
Discover Authentic Indian Arrowheads To Add to Your Collection and Know Where to Buy Genuine Indian Arrowheads. Authentic Indian arrowheads are a fascinating part of history, with some pieces being
Indian Artifact Collection Laws
Is it illegal to sell arrowheads? Indian artifact collection laws can be confusing. Due to many questions posed by collectors in our state, we’re going to look at the laws
In Defense of Avocational Archaeology
IN DEFENSE OF AVOCATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY By Jeb A. Taylor, Associate Editor In this country, there exists a high degree of enmity between institutional and avocational archaeologists/ collectors. Historically, the goals
Artificial aging is counterfeiting
by John F.Berner, EIC Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.54, No.1, pg.18 Make no mistake, if a person ages flint or any other artifact, that person is a counterfeiter. There
Ancient Mississippian Pastimes
by E. J. Neiburger, Waukegan, Illinois Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.4, pg.188 George Catlin painting of Mandan Indians playing Chunke in 1832, showing the game
Mississippi Discoidals: Ancient Sports Collectibles?
By Anthony A. Stein, Parkville, Missouri One of the most popular Mississippian artifacts today is the discoidal. What is a discoidal? The easiest answer is that a discoidal is a
A Rat Tail Spud, My Rarest Artifact
by Jim Maus, Adva nce, North Carolina Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.3, pg.140 During the time that we call the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex or Mississippian
LATE WOODLAND, MISSISSIPPIAN & HISTORIC RITUAL STONE AXES KNOWN AS SPUDS
BY PETER A. BOSTROM Most writers, collectors, and archaeologists seem to be using the word spud more often now; however, when you look at articles written nearly a hundred years
Long-Stemmed Spuds
Toney Aid, West Plains, Missouri Take an ungrooved celt, polish it, stretch it (up to two feet long), flare the bit slightly and what have you got? A long-stemmed spud!
Michigan Archaic Stemmed Lanceolates
by Todd Walterspaugh, Galesburg, Michigan Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.94 This group of
A Large Hopewell Copper Celt
by Billy Ford, Spencerville, Ohio Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.3, pg.134 More than eighty
A TAPERED CELT FROM MICHIGAN
Douglas A. Whitcomb, Wolverine, Michigan It was 1952, and I was in second grade when I saw my first Indian artifact. We were studying the local Indians and a
The Talladega Cache of Celts
by Lamar Wilson Dadeville, Alabama The celts shown here (Fig. 1) are a cache found by Gordon Faulkner in February of 1984 while on a fishing trip with his father
Two Keokuk Axes from Illinois
by Mike Wayland, San Jose, Illinois Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.68 Hunting has always been good in our area. Many years ago my father-in-law,
A Cache of Two Iowa Slant (Wide, Square) Groove Axes
by David A. Easterla, Ph.D., Maryville, Missouri Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.71 During
Do Not Judge the Axe Maker Until You Know the Rock Type
by David A. Easterla, Ph.D., Maryville, Missouri Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.82 Recently the
A South Carolina Southern Raised Ridge Axe
by Billy Abee, Union, South Carolina Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.100 This report
The Southeastern Monolithic Axe
The Southeastern Monolithic Axe Tim Brawner, Dothan, Alabama The apex of the Woodland Period sparked the development of the great chiefdoms of the Mississippian. During this period the Southeastern Ceremonial
World’s Finest Anchor Pendant
Earl C. Townsend, Jr. In 1978, when I was much younger, I got word that a silver trophy would be awarded at Chillicothe, Ohio, to the collector who brought the
Pendants and Gorgets
Bill Koup, Albuquerque, New Mexico Personal adornment has always been an important pursuit of mankind. The wearing of specialized adornments for the purpose of appearing more attractive or to signify
Gorgets and Pendants, Stone Ornaments
James Tharpe, Plainfield, Indiana Gorgets at first glance take on a similar appearance in shape to that of the undrilled bar type bannerstone. This form of artifact can vary greatly
Reproduction or Replica?
How do you identify if an arrowhead is a reproduction or a replica? Unpublished 12/31/99 What is the difference? A reproduction is a copy of any artifact which simulates or
The Authenticators
Pg.10, Vol.XXXI, No. 4, 1997, “Prehistoric American” In the beginning there were no fakes. When collecting began to take shape and museums sought examples for displays, the devious ones began in
Collecting beginning
As the early pioneer farmers began to turn the sod and cultivate the fields of rural North America, stone age artifacts of long past civilizations began to emerge from their
Perfect Arrowhead Phenomena
Pg.9, Vol.XXXI No.2,1997 “Prehistoric American” Perfect means flawless. Phenomena means an unusual, unaccountable, remarkable fact or occurrence. The appearance of thousands of perfect arrowheads in the last 10 years; must certainly
False patina; an illusion of age
Pg.31, Vol. XXX, No.1, 1996, “Prehistoric American” What is patina? Webster’s dictionary(2) says:”the sheen on antique surface produced by use and age”. If that is patina, what is false patina? I
Artifact or Artifake?
How do you know if your Indian artifact or arrowhead is real? Pg.186,Vol.31, No.4 ,1984, “Central States Archaeological Journal” My past experiences as Editor-inchief of both the Redskin and Artifacts magazines
Etiquette of a Gentleman Collector
Pg3, Vol.XXXIV, No.4, 2000, “Prehistoric American” For 31 years, most of my editorializing has been the subject of Frauds, etc. This is the forty eighth publication I have produced for the GIRS,
Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing
How can you tell if an arrowhead or Indian artifact is fake or real? Pg.142, Volume 46, No3,1999, “Central States Archaeological Journal” Wolves abound everywhere and while you may not readily
A preoccupation with Fakes?
Pg.31,Vol.XXX, No.2, 1996, “Prehistoric American” I certainly hope not.But the fact remains that Fakes are an ever present problem. Late in 1988, I was politely informed by one of our illustrious
Local Participation Guarantees Success for Your Artifact Show
Native American Artifact/ Relic Event planning involves the process of organizing and coordinating all the necessary elements to make an event successful. It includes a wide range of tasks such
How to tell a Fake
How can you tell if an arrowhead or Indian Artifact is a fake? Pg.109, Vol.VI, No.4, 1969 “The Redskin” Fakes come in two kinds, those that are sold; and those that
A never ending supply
Pg.25, Vol. XXII, No.4, 1988, “Prehistoric Artifacts” I never cease to be amazed at the crassness of the dishonest purveyor of Fake material. We set up a display of
The Pottery Gorgets and Pendants of Tick Island
by John Baugh, Tampa Florida Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.3, pg.131 Many of Florida’s early inhabitants lived along the St. Johns River in Volusia County.
The Unique Caddo Seed Jar
by Jim Maus, Advance, North Carolina Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.2, pg.82 During the first century AD, the natives of a culture known today as
The Founding of the Arkansas Society
Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.173 The first organizational meeting of the Arkansas Society was on October 12th 1958 at the home of H.R.McPherson near
The Prehistoric Peoples of Arkansas
by Steven R. Cooper Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.174 It is easy to become confused with all the different terms involving Arkansas archaeology. Like
Patched Pots
by Jim Cherry, Fayetteville, Arkansas Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.224 For over 25 years, I have researched head pots by visiting many museums as
Full Bodied Fulton Aspect Caddo Effigy Vessels
by Steven R. Cooper Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.236 The full bodied effigy vessels produced by the Caddo rank amongst the most rare and
The Way Things Used To Be
by Steven R. Cooper Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.250 For more than one hundred and fifty years, collectors, amateur archaeologists, opportunists and the impoverished
Ceremonial Figurines on Pottery Bottles
by Jim Cherry, Fayetteville, Arkansas Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.4, pg.270 These two bottles are from the Notgrass site, 3MS15, in Mississippi County. Both were
Pottery Restoration Made Easy
Matt Rowe, Oklahoma Ancient ceramics are a wonderful way to add spice to any artifact display. While stone items are still the number one collectible, no collection is complete without
Bannerstone CD
The following Bannerstone resource is provided by Terry McGuire, author of “Bannerstones: An Ancient Native American Art Tradition”. Thank you Terry for your wealth of knowledge when it comes to
Bannerstones – What Are They?
Knoblock stuck with the older theories on the usage of bannerstones. He believed they were ornamental or ceremonial objects. His conclusions were based partly on the fact that certain forms of bannerstones were
A SALUTE TO DAVID L. LUTZ
by Richard Michael Gramly, PhD THE ARCHAIC BANNERSTONE: ITS CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORYAND PURPOSE FROM 6000 B.C. TO 1000 B.C. by DAVID L. LUTZ Bannerstones exist both in art and anthropology. David L.
Bannerstone Images
Quartz Hourglass Bannerstone Fluted Ball Bannerstone David Lutz Collection Mark Clark Collection (John Pafford Photo) (John Pafford Photo) Chlorite Crescent Bannerstone Jon Sorgenfrei Collection
Bannerstones From The Terry McGuire and Ed Harvey Collections
(Terry McGuire photo) Hardstone banners from upper left: horned with shaft flute, 2.8″, Illinois. green quartz horned 2.75″ Southern Illinois. granite horned 3.25″, Mercer Co., OH. Wisconsin winged 4″, St.
The Atlatl Hook and Weight
David Lutz Collection, Newburgh, Indiana The atlatl hook and weight combination is not only a fascinating insight into the hunting technique that Native Americans used in the spear thrower, but
Introduction – Bannerstones
by Charlie Wagers, Fairfield, Ohio This issue of Prehistoric American is dedicated to the bannerstone, a prehistoric artform which captures the imagination and love of most all artifact collectors. The bannerstone
A Chronology of Bannerstones
Our understanding of banner types of the late Archaic Period is much better than the previous period due to the larger number of sites excavated in Northern Alabama, Tennessee and
Hardstone and Porphyry banners
This beautiful group of hardstone and porphrey banners is from the collection of Floyd Ritter, Collinsville, III. Beginning with the bottle banner in the center and going clockwise around the
Butterfly/Winged Bannerstones: The Differing Variations
Bill Koup Albuquerque, New Mexico The Butterfly or Winged bannerstone of banded slate is probably the most popular and sought after form of bannerstone among collectors. Few other bannerstones attract
The Unique Styles of Mississippi Benton Phase Tubular Bannerstones
J. Neal Brown, Ph.D., Natchez, Mississippi Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.55, No.1, pg.40 The tubular type bannerstone was a favorite of the Benton Culture. Many tubular
BANNERSTONE FINDS
by V Gary Henry, Asheville, North Carolina Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.72 In
Laws Concerning Artifact Collecting
What laws do I need to know if I am collecting arrowheads or Indian artifacts? Due to many questions posed by collectors in our state, we’re going to look at
IN DEFENSE OF AVOCATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY
By Jeb A. Taylor, Associate Editor In this country, there exists a high degree of enmity between institutional and avocational archaeologists/ collectors. Historically, the goals of both groups were pretty
CLOVIS CULTURE BEVELED BONE RODS
By Jeb A. Taylor, G.I.R.S. Associate Editor In Volume XLIII, Number 2, 2009, Prehistoric American, Michael J. O’Brien, Ph.D. and R. Lee Lyman, Ph.D. contributed one more in a long line of theories
A FURTHER NOTE ON THE EAST WENATCHEE CLOVIS SITE
By Michael J. O’Brien, Ph.D. and R. Lee Lyman, Ph.D. In Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer’s excellent article on the East Wenatchee Clovis site (also known as Richie–Roberts) in central Washington, he
A Surprise in Bentonville, Arkansas
By Steven Cooper, Kingston Springs, Tennessee While Bentonville is just a small city in the northwest corner of Arkansas, it is a place with a fascinating history. It was
Hunting Glass Trade Beads
by V Gary Henry, Ashville, North Carolina Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.2, pg.82Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.56, No.4, pg.200 In 2005,
Prehistoric American Indian Beads
Walter Williams, Eastland, Texas Left to right: Olivella shell, turkey bone, Pacific Coast shell, Dickson Mounds pearls and various types of shell beads. From the collection of Walter Williams. At
Chunkee Player Shell Gorget
by Kent C. Westbrook, Little Rock, Arkansas Shell gorgets are among the rarest and most beautiful of prehistoric art objects encountered in the United States. Most have been found in
ENGRAVED MARINE SHELL GORGETS: A REVIEW
By Jim Glanville, Ph.D., G.I.R.S. Member, Retired Chemist, and Independent Scholar INTRODUCTION Stone Age cultures around the world valued mollusk shells for the purpose of making durable ceremonial and decorative
THREE SALTVILLE STYLE GORGETS AND A CRYSTAL
Article and Photos by Jim Maus, G.I.R.S. Member The Engraved Shell Gorget is one of the rarest artifacts made during the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex or SECC (also called the Souther
Overstreet Resources
Many years ago when all fluted points were called Folsom, before archaeologists began to identify other forms, the literature available to the collector was sparse at best. Over the past
A VISIT TO THE LINK SITE
Article and Link Site Photos by Ellis Whitt, G.I.R.S. Member The two temple mounds in the background. It was cold, cloudy, and misting snow on December 1, 2008, but Dwight
Mississippian Pottery: A Tribute to Roy Hathcock
By Rick Fitzgerald Front Cover Image: Winged-eyed Hawk Among artifact collectors, Roy Hathcock was a legend. He popularized Native American ceramics of the central Mississippi River Valley by publishing
Review of Folsom: New Archaeological Investigations of a Classic Paleo Indian Bison Kill
BOOK REVIEW By Richard Michael Gramly, Ph.D. Review of Folsom: New Archaeological Investigations of a Classic Paleo Indian Bison Kill by David J. Meltzer with contributions by M. Balakrishnan, D.A.
Two Essays: Chief & Greed by Edmund Carpenter
By Oliver T. SkrivanieG.I.R.S. Member The author, Edmund Carpenter, was a trustee of the Museum of the American Indian (MAI) in New York City from 1973 to 1985. His essays
Bannerstones- An Ancient Native American Art Tradition
CD-ROM REVIEW By Richard SissonG.I.R.S. Member Bannerstones – An AncientNative American Art TraditionBy Edward Harvey This study published in CD Rom format by Edward Harvey constitutes a major contribution to understanding
The Art Gerber Story – A Lifetime of Collecting Along the Ohio River
BOOK REVIEW By Oliver T. Skrivanie G.I.R.S. Member The Art Gerber Story – A Lifetime of Collecting Along the Ohio River By Arthur Joseph Gerber Long before “Indiana Jones” there
COME TELL ME HOW YOU LIVED: NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY
Author: Charles Enloe Moore This book is prefaced with a free verse poem where the author asks Early Man how he lived. After his response, Early Man asks the archaeologist
THE HEADPOTS OF NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AND SOUTHERN PEMISCOT COUNTY, MISSOURI
BOOK REVIEW By Elmer A. Guerri, G.I.R.S. Board Member THE HEADPOTS OF NORTHEAST ARKANSAS AND SOUTHERN PEMISCOT COUNTY, MISSOURI Author: James F. Cherry One 01 the most interesting aspects of
From Chicaza to Chickasaw: The European Invasion and the Transformation of the Mississippian World, 1540-1715.
By: Robbie Ethridge From “UM anthropologist’s latest book focuses on transformation of Chickasaw Indians, Thursday-Friday, December 23-24, 2010.” By Edwin Smith, University Communications The evolution of an early Native American
FAKING- The Ancient Andes
Karen 0. Bruhns Nancy L. Kelker Originally we planned a single comprehensive volume dealing with fakes, forgeries, and forgers from all across the ancient Americas, but as the project neared
The Official Overstreet Indian Arrowheads 10th Edition
Robert M. Overstreet Over the years we’ve all grown accustomed to see the appearance every few years of a new Overstreet Price Guide. Just recently the Tenth Edition came out.
Birth of a Culture
Teresa K. Putty and Don R. Ham We are living in a truly fantastic time. The past few years have produced some of the greatest books ever written about archaeology
Ancient Objects and Sacred Realms
Edited by F. Kent Reilly III and James F. Garber This is an exceptional group of essays. Mississippian artifacts and architecture are reinterpreted and analyzed in ten lengthy essays by
Auction of Prehistoric Indian Artifacts: The Robert N. Converse Auctions 1983-1994
By Robert Haag, M. Ed. Available in soft cover and deluxe hardbound limited editions, this illustrated collection contains the Robert Converse Auction catalogs, 1983-1994. There are 30 catalogs in this
Footpaths to Ancient Campsites in Copley Township, Ohio
By Robert Haag, M. Ed. This beautifully illustrated, 184 page soft-bound monograph contains 200+ photos of artifacts collected by generations of Copley residents and five never-beforepublished Frank Wilcox revision drawings
What is it?
by Bob Reeves, Knoxville, Tennessee Originally Published in the Central States Archaeological Journal, Vol.57, No.2, pg.97 Back in October of 1982, I was hunting Indian relics along the shores of