Recycled Points

[Mud Hawk]

This is in regards to a Serrated Kirk I found yesterday. Uniface wondered if the missing flake on the tip was "plow kissed". After a closer gander and a macro shot I am wondering if the point was just re-used by a later culture? Thoughts?

[cachefind09]

If it was reused by a later culture you would think that it would have been long enough in the past to have developed a patina in that area. The area of the flake scar looks almost like it was exposed recently and is much lighter in color. Are there any deposits on the surface? That brings up another question, how long does it take to develop a patina? It depends on the type of material and what conditions the piece was exposed to.

[Mud Hawk]

I can see patina on the missing area just from the pic, but I was amazed at how white the entire piece was after gently cleaning with water and a tooth brush. Must be material and soil conditions. If a plow/disc did that then I am going to play the lottery cause that is a one in a million chance IMHO.

[drdave514]

Agreed. Additionally, that flake looks last, whereas if it was reworked along the edge you'd expect the flakes to extend into that "flute". It got thumped on the tip, whether recently or anciently. In my opinion.

[Mud Hawk]

hmmm... but there looks like a smaller flake missing right next to the primary scar with the same "fresher" patina?

[Mud Hawk]

I am not arguing that something did in fact take a whack out of it much later, but a plow/disc? That removal seems like it came dead on? Enh guess i'll bow down on this one. Thank guys!

[drdave514]

I don't see the flake missing next to the big flake. Along side of it at the tip?

I also agree that a plow/disc hit is less likely. It takes a pretty specific angled blow to shoot the flake up the ridge and go that far. Much like a flute. I would consider it an impact fracture of some type. The color/patina difference is the only indication that it's new but that is hard to discern in a picture.

[Mud Hawk]

Took a few more shots...



Doc, yeah that was where I was talking about. If you look on the top right of this pic, I noticed another slight variant in patination as well... one tiny flake on the reverse side.

There have also been Terminal Archaic through Woodland found in the same field as this. That, the patina variation, and the distinct fracture... I just can't help but think it was picked up by a later ancient, used, and hit its mark (bone maybe?) Maybe later a Native wanted to thin the tip more? The disc/plow is the only other option and I just dont see it. Everything I post I have pesonally plucked from the soil.

Jason asked why no Insitu's 1) Pick up WAYYY to much partially exposed flint 2) Cheap Trac phone no camera 3) Dont want to expose my tech toys to the elements .

At any rate I appreciate your input!

[neralich]

Maybe the ancient had the point sticking straight up out of the ground for some reason,,,

Forgot about it......

.....and a hailstorm came....

Whack!!! Golfball sized hail fluted it (hinge fracture and all)

Lol, sorry,,
All I could come up with that hasn't been discussed

I would think impact fracture

[drdave514]

Yeah, if the patina is different then I'd obviously think the removal of that flake might be newer but I think the chances of it being a pick up/reuse is just SO slim. Interesting to ponder though.