Hannah's find 1-29-12

[FairfieldOH]

Hey everyone, Hannah found this on Sunday and was hoping to get some opinions on it. It is extremely flat on top and bottom. Both long sides are flaked, but on the opposite side (top & bottom). One end looks like an ancient brake, and the other a fresh brake. I assume it is just a tool, but was wondering if anyone had any other input on the piece.
Thanks for looking!

[Steve Valentine]

Don, it looks like it may be the mid section of a Beveled Point. Are either of the ends ground smooth? It may have been used as a tool after it was broken, but my best guess is just a broken mid section.

[FairfieldOH]

Hi Steve, As smooth as both flat sides are, I wouldn't be surprised if they were both ground smooth. I can't tell for sure, but I guess they could have been. I can see where it could have been a point that broke and was turned into a tool. It must have been a real beauty at one time. I like the piece a lot. Thanks for looking, I'll let Hannah know tomorrow.

[Cannonman17]

I would agree, either a mid section or it could possibly be a scraper made from some debitage as well but I would guess mid section first. Good find!

[Mud Hawk]

Looks like a nice Denticulate tool too me. They are generally thought to be used for either meat processing or shredding plant fibers.

Denticulate Tool

Good find Hannah! She should check out the area she found it in closer. Probably a good number of utilized flakes in the same vicinity as that.

[FairfieldOH]

Thanks for the replies everyone. They gave us great insight to the piece. I had Hannah look at your comments and now she is more pleased with her piece. She was disappointed when she found it, but is now excited to know it's an artifact. On a depressing note, I pass this field every day on my way home from work (yes, it's hard not to stop everyday), and today there was someone walking the field. It's not the first time I have seen him there .

[Steve Valentine]

Don, seeing someone else is the field is both good and bad. It sucks that someone else is also hunting the site, but at the same time if someone else is hunting it then it must be a good spot. They wouldn't keep coming back if it was a bad spot.

[FairfieldOH]

Good point Steve. I'm pretty sure he was using a wiggle stick, so I think he must know what he's doing. If he's still coming back, there must be some good pieces. I gotta say, I think the Brewerton side notch I found there is my favorite piece so far.