A place dedicated to the discussion & picture sharing of swords, hatchets, throwing knives, Native American Tools, tomahawk heads and other related items.
I just started in this hobby; I believe it can become addicting real fast. These are what I have so far; only found a couple of these myself. I am trying to do research for a place to scout out; I know that there were a lot of different Tribes; in early South Carolina history. Finding them yourself; is a lot more fun and much cheaper; than buying from a dealer.
I am trying to do research for a place to scout out
best luck is broken ground anywhere near water. they always camped and hunted near a water source... they had to have it and they knew the animals did too...
If I may, I'd like to offer a few suggestions to the new guys in this hobby. I haven't collected in many years, but when I did, it was with a fellow who became a chief state archaeologist and we put a little more effort into the hobby.
First, buy large scale U.S. Geological Survey maps for the areas you hunt. ( google them )
You can learn much about finding sites by studying the maps first.
As tmwsiy pointed out, water was a priority, but it may not be there now. Streams and rivers shift and change course. Springs disappear, and lakes become ponds, then turn to marshes, and may dry up completely. Study the maps for past water courses or low spots that may have held water. Check the soils in those areas for dark soil full of organic material. A long gone marsh can be a prime collecting area that others overlook.
When you find water sources, look for drainage. A camp would be above high water and on a gentle slope or low rise. In the east, a slope that faces east for morning sun might also be more productive.
Hunt, with permission, plowed fields especially after a hard rain. Respect crops and gates !! It's getting more difficult now that everyone has become concerned with liability lawsuits, but when you ask a farmer or landowner for permission to hunt, ask their advise. I've had farmers point out exactly the best areas to search.
Check out all construction excavations and road work.
Last, record what you find. Assign a site number to areas of multiple finds. ( This may be a combination of a letter for the County & a number, work out your own system.) Next, mark those site locations on your geological survey maps and record a description of the site in a small notebook. Mark your site number on each artifact. Now you can identify where each of your artifacts came from, and as your map fills up with sites, you can more easily decide where to look next.
To mark the artifacts, get a bottle of ' Matt Medium ' from an art supply or craft shop. It looks like Elmer's white glue, which might also work. Paint a small stripe of the matt medium on your artifact. When it drys, use a fine marker to write your site number over the medium, and then put another coat of medium over the number.
A sharp flake knocked off a rock was man's first manufactured tool..... and the first cutlery. Stone artifacts are are the earliest knives we can have !
Good hunting,
Fran
If it's meant for me to have it, it'll still be there.
Thanks guy's and Fran thanks for laying out; a detailed plan for success. I am really looking forward to getting into this. I have ordered some books; on identifying and grading. Seems like a perfect hobby; getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise; with very little expense involved.
Luckypaul777 wrote:Thanks guy's and Fran thanks for laying out; a detailed plan for success. I am really looking forward to getting into this. I have ordered some books; on identifying and grading. Seems like a perfect hobby; getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise; with very little expense involved.
Paul
See if your State Museum, or a local archaeological society has books available for identifying artifacts or " points."
All points have names, and similar items from different areas can become confusing. Use local references if you can.
Fran
If it's meant for me to have it, it'll still be there.
These are what I have so far; only found a couple of these myself. 
I am trying to do research for a place to scout out; I know that there were a lot of different Tribes; in early South Carolina history. Finding them yourself; is a lot more fun and much cheaper; 
than buying from a dealer.