Volume Number 9 Issue Number 2 Winter 2011
THE AACA MAGAZINE
On The Inside: Hayden Patstone‟s Pipe Find Member IN SITU Pictures The Critter Gallery Ohio Hafted Shaft Scrapers Collectors‟ Favorite Artifacts & Much, Much More!!
AACA MAGAZINE Authentic Artifacts Collectors Association, Inc.
www.theaaca.com
Volume Number 9 Issue Number 2 Winter 2011
Table of Contents President‟s Message Pg 1 Editor‟s Message Pg 2 Hayden‟s Pipe Pg 3 Collectors‟ Rorschach Test Pg 4 “The Arrowhead” Pg 5 An Ohio Hafted Shaft Scraper Collection Pg 6-7 “No Points For Christmas” Pg 8-10 Where the White Man Went Wrong Pg 11 Anthropocene or Holocene? Pg 12-14 In Situ Pg 15-24 Members‟ Favorite Artifacts Pg 25-32 Critter Gallery Pg 33-41 The Story of the North American Buffalo Pg 42-45 “The Bison” Pg 46
Editor Steve Stangland Design & Layout by Robert J Dills
Message from the President Cliff Jackson
Two treasures in the field: Cliff's youngest grandson Jackson and his "arryhead"
Treasure hunting has been a favorite pastime of man for many generations. Ancient man searched for and found the finest lithic treasures in the best rock outcrops and river cobbles, then would make them into the tools he needed to live. Artifact collectors search for those same tools in the fields and woods where early man lived, and when we are lucky, we find true treasure. Many times arrowhead hunters will mention that they were the first person to touch an arrowhead in so many thousand years - and an ancient connection is made when we find and study that treasure. It is a part of being man to connect to the past. As we bend down to pick up a flake that was knapped thousands of years ago, we shake the hand of the knapper who lived and hunted in our backyard. That feeling is the true treasure of arrowhead hunting that we can all understand. Have a wonderful holiday and may your 2012 be filled with treasure! Cliff
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From the Editor‟s Desk Steve Stangland
I think I find as many Gopher Snakes as points! This winter issue of the AACA Magazine includes 12 articles. Many are short, making for quick and easy reading. As always, the “In Situ” section, the “Critter Gallery,” and the “Collectors‟ Favorites” sections are replete with outstanding and colorful pictures. Thanks to member contributions, virtually every article in this issue is informative, interesting, entertaining or humorous. In the event you would like to comment on any article, feel free to send me a “letter to the editor” (sstangland@cox.net). You may want to disagree, add something we missed, correct something, expand on something, say something either good or bad, or whatever! If we receive several interesting submissions, we would be willing to make a new section called (of course) “Letters to the Editor.” One more thing…..by all means, don‟t miss the Editor‟s “No Points for Christmas” article and poem!
The AACA Board of Directors wishes you good hunting and a
HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
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Hayden‟s Pipe
I'm in awe at the circumstances that took place for my son Hayden to have found this pipe. I was out on private ranch land in California with my two boys. They had found a little three inch plastic ball while searching for artifacts with me and were throwing it at each other when it rolled down a rat hole. My son Hayden starting putting his hands down the hole and the little pipe is what popped out! Before I knew what had happened, he ran over to show it to me. What luck!! Just an additional note: When I walked over to where he found it I spotted anice chalcedony arrowhead within two feet of the hole. It was missing half of an ear...bummer. I also found four nice shell beads. My friend Dale says that Hayden‟s pipe looks like a bugle! Matt Patstone - California Editor‟s note: The question came up as to the material and age of this pipe find. The pipe is made of fired clay (ceramic) and the whitish, antler-looking color is the effect of "bleaching" from hundreds of years of dry-climate exposure. Although stone and soapstone pipes are occasionally found in the hunting area, most are ceramic. This particular specimen is on the small side, but is an outstanding find because of its near perfect condition. The age is unknown, but local artifact enthusiasts would guess 200 to 500 years....and possibly older. 3
Collectors’ Rorschach Test John Selmer
The Rorschach test or the ink blot test is a psychological test in which your perceptions of ink blots are recorded and then analyzed. Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics or emotional functioning. You‟ve probably seen an old movie where a psychologist is administering the test to someone. The test is named after its creator, Swiss psychologist Hermann Rorschach. With that in mind, what do you see when you look at the artifact in the photos? I am sure many of our spouses wonder what is going on inside our heads when we come home with more rocks to add to our collections. I‟ve asked a number of people what they see and have gotten a variety of answers. Most see an animal of some sort. The most common answers are fox, wolf, coyote, squirrel, beaver, and porcupine. One person told me they saw a lizard. I haven‟t been able to see that at all. I lean towards a squirrel or a fox myself.
Paleo Eccentric Effigy (Obverse)
Paleo Eccentric Effigy (Reverse)
I attended the Ripley, Ohio Artifact Show in February 2011. When I could get away from my tables, I would take quick jaunts to see the other displays. This artifact caught my eye and I just had to have it because I like to collect effigies and other unique artifacts. After speaking to the person who owned it, I found it was for sale and the price was reasonable. Before he could change his mind, I bought the piece and added it to my collection. It is a Paleo eccentric effigy made from a Clovis point. The lithic material is Harrison County Chert (aka Hornstone) and it is 2-11/16 inches long. It was found by Wilber Sonner who is pictured in Who’s Who in Indian Relics Volumes 2 and 6. He found it on his property near the Ohio River in Harrison County, Indiana. It came with a Tom Davis Certificate of Authenticity (G10) and is now catalog number WBC-2030 in the Selmer Collection. In the first picture, you can still see the remains of the flute from the Clovis point. The piece is worked all the way around the edge and there is no modern damage or patination change, so every feature is on purpose.
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Editor‟s Note: As many of you, I have seen this poem before, but never with the poet‟s name attached…..and usually credited as “anonymous.” The poem was written by Enos Benjamin Comstock, who died in 1945 at the age of 66. Having studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, he became a painter, writer and illustrator. Besides writing and illustrating for well known children‟s books, he was also an illustrator for Boy Scout Publications. Roger Gossard, a high school friend of mine from southeast Kansas, sent me a hard copy of the poem. Interestingly, he had found it in a 1927 copy of the Boy Scout Handbook. The poem was overlying a picture of an Indian shooting an arrow at a bobcat sitting in a tree, the illustration of which I assume was also done by poet Comstock.
The Arrowhead O‟er fields of new turned sod, communing with my God, I tramped alone, and in a furrow bed I found an arrowhead, Chiseled from stone.
Then fancy fled on wings, back to primeval things, Seeking the light…..what warrior drew the bow, Sighted, and let it go, on its last flight?
How oft this flinten head, on deadly errand sped, I may not know… Nor will the silent flint reveal the slightest hint, How long ago.
Were its grim story told, what tales would it unfold, Tales that would chill… I know but this one thing, beyond all questioning, „Twas made to kill.
Ages have worn away, warriors gone their way; Their bones are dust… Proof of a craftman‟s skill survives the ages still.. Left in my trust.
Enos B. Comstock (Background Photo by Steve Valentine)
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HAFTED SHAFT SCRAPERS FROM OHIO By Robert Dills
Above is what is commonly referred to as a "Hafted Shaft Scraper.” This is a very rare tool type found primarily in the central and eastern Ohio areas. They are also known to be found in other states but their distribution becomes somewhat sporadic outside of Ohio. They are always made on a flake with the cutting edge flaked toward the uniface side. Most have a right-handed cutting edge, meaning that with the base at the 12 o‟clock position and the uniface side down the cutting edge is on the right side. Examples with the cutting edge on the left-hand side are very unusual. This artifact type can have many different base styles, most of which are Archaic. In his book “Ohio Flint Types,” Robert Converse attributes them to the Early Archaic period. Many different lithic materials were used, but most are made from either Flint Ridge or Coshocton flint. My observations conclude that the average size is right around 2 ½ inches, but can range from 1 ½ to over 4 inches. In over twenty years of field hunting I have found only one complete example (center row second in from the right). Based on their varied design and cutting edge radiuses I believe that they were used as some type of wood working tool, but I cannot conclude that they were strictly "shaft" scrapers as the colloquial name implies. Some collectors may confuse this type with “spokeshaves,” which are usually Woodland points. Consequently, I will clarify by making the differentiation between a spokeshave & a hafted shaft scraper. At least in my region, a spokeshave is a semi-circular notch that is worked into the blade edge of any bi-facially worked point or blade. A spokeshave is added to an existing blade whereas the hafted shaft scraper is purposely built from the start. Physically, the main difference is the hafted shaft scraper is always made on a flake and the cutting edge is not necessarily always semi-circular. I have seen a few and I have collected at least one where the cutting edge is almost straight. In regard to the origin of all of the pieces pictured on the next page- only one was found by me. I purchased a couple directly from the finders, many were acquired from well known local collections and one was given to me by the finder (I was with him when he found it). It has taken me about eight years to put this collection together. In conclusion, I should mention that you cannot find this type in the Overstreet Identification and Price Guide. Nevertheless, it is recognized by Ohio collectors as a separate typology and as a desirable part of any personal collection.
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Above is my collection of Hafted Shaft Scrapers and a few other flint oddities. All were found in Ohio. The second one in from the right in the center row is a personal find from Wayne County, Ohio. The single notched example to the left of it was found by my friend Edward Stevens in Coshocton County, Ohio. He gave it to me as we were leaving the field, which is a good thing since I was planning on stealing it anyhow!! The cutting edge on this example extends all the way to the base, as does the example on the far left of the center row. The eccentric to the left of the center Crescent Knife was also found by Ed in Coshocton County, Ohio . It is a bit over 3" long. The bottom center Crescent Knife is ex- Dr. Mueser collection. The smooth uniface side can be seen in these two pictures. This is the result of a single blow that removed the flake from the parent stone. The only secondary flaking sometimes done to this side is along the cutting edge. Otherwise no additional work is done to this side. As with most Archaic types the bases are almost always ground. Very rare examples have cutting edges on both sides. Occasionally a graver spur is incorporated.
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No Points for Christmas Although interested in Indian lore all my life, because of working two jobs seemingly forever, it was only about 10 years ago that I began having time to start looking for artifacts. I was completely on my own when I first started hunting points in the San Diego area and had not met any local hunters. My hikes into the back country turned up nothing. One guy I met told me that the indigenous people in San Diego County used only firehardened wood for their projectiles. I became convinced that there were no points to be found in my area. Nevertheless, I maintained my interest and began to build an “acquired” collection. I actually traveled back to my home state of Kansas for my first true arrowhead hunt, and soon afterwards made several hunts in Oklahoma and Texas. Although my hunts “back East” yielded results, I was still apprehensive about possible results in my own geographic area. It was about that time, right before Christmas, that I wrote the poem below and posted it at the old “Arrowpack” board.
“No Points” San Diego Steve Stangland
It‟s easy to envy those guys back East, They actually count points at their Christmas feast. We‟ve got very little flint in San DiegO, But thank the Lord, no snow and never zero-O.
They have lots of points in Missouree, In every field you find two, maybe three. We‟ve got no points in San DiegO, No points, no hail, no sleet, no snow.
Arkansas folk find points in their own front yard, But not in San Diego- that would be too hard. I‟ve never found a point in any local turf, But we‟ve got the beach and real high surf.
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Texas has flint that looks really nice, But they have something else- they have ice. It‟s tough finding points in San DiegO, But the tequila is smooth in nearby MexicO.
Lots of points also in Alabama and Tennessee, Not to mention tons of „em in Kentuckee. Compared to Diego, that sounds so much better, But I‟ll have to pass, we have the great weather!
They‟ve got some good flint in New York State, Every one they find is at least a G-eight. They also have snow in that great state, They shovel it off their drives until very, very late
The Mecca for points could be OhiO, It‟s also the Mecca for ice cold snow. Nope, we‟ve got few points in San DiegO, But every day the temp is a big seven O.
May Santa fill all of your Christmas socks With birdies, doves, and other G-8 rocks Seasons Greetings from San Diego- land of no snow, Merry Christmas to all, and a warm HO, HO , HO!
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Now, the poem is not the end of the story. I eventually talked to enough people and began making more “exploratory” hikes into likely areas. I also ran across a guy who was selling his collection and moving out of state. He wanted far too much for some of his locally found points. I told him I would pay his price, but only if he would take me on a hunt. He promptly did so, and incredibly, I found my very first San Diego County point, and it was not a broken piece or a “pooter.” It was a complete, near perfect arrow point, uncovered by the blowing wind at the very moment I was staring at the ground in an area littered with pottery shards. Suddenly I became extremely persistent in my quest to find hunting sites. The exploratory hikes started yielded results, as did my son‟s research on Google Earth. I was also fortunate to meet one of the best artifact hunters in Southern California. I will just call him “John.” John was an invaluable asset and still hunts with me from time to time. If you are new to hunting and not having great results, the moral to this story is simply… PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF.
My first local point
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Where the White Man Went Wrong (unknown source)
Indian Chief “Two Eagles” was asked by a white U.S. government official, “You have observed the white man for 90 years. You’ve seen his wars and his technological advances. You’ve seen his progress, and the damage he’s done.’’ The chief nodded in agreement. The official continued, “Considering all these events, in your opinion, where did the white man go wrong?” The chief stared at the government official and then replied, “When the white man find land, Indians running it….. no taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver, clean water. Women do all the work, Medicine Man free. Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; all night having sex.” Then the chief leaned back and smiled, “Only white man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that.”
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Anthropocene or Holocene? (Followed by a “Collectors‟ Quiz”) by Steve Stangland
Zion National Park – Editor‟s Photo Is man presently depositing a permanent, planet-wide stratagraphic layer in the earth‟s crust?
Science tells us that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, and its history has been divided into numerous geological eras, periods and epochs. Because they involve the history of our Native Americans, knowledgeable collectors are aware that the two most “recent” epochs are the Pleistocene and the Holocene. Most collectors also know that modern man is living in the most recent geologic epoch…. the Holocene. But wait a minute. Is that correct? Read on!
Some geological epochs endured for millions of years. Depending on what professional resource you believe, the Pleistocene endured from 1.8 to 2.6 million years. The present Holocene is “only” 11,500 years old. In any event, it‟s not every day that we see a new geological epoch. But hold on! Many present-day stratigraphers and other scientists say that we are all now living in the “Anthropocene.” So why have we departed the very young Holocene and now entered this new epoch in the geological history of our planet? The answer lies in the fact that man now wields such incredible influences over his environment. He can pollute huge expanses of water and air, create his own rivers and lakes, level mountain tops, create cities with millions of inhabitants and then exterminate them in seconds with his atomic resources. Man‟s mega-influence on earth‟s environment is now undeniable.
Over 130 years ago an Italian geologist by the name of Antonio Stoppani suggested that man had entered a new geological epoch that he called the “Anthropozoic.” The scientific community paid no attention. Today, over a century later, however, human influence on the planet has grown exponentially and has become painfully obvious and dangerous. Consequently, about 10 years ago when Dutch scientist Paul Crutzen suggested that man had entered a new epoch called the “Anthropocene,” the scientific community took notice and quickly accepted the idea.
However, there exists a scientific group entitled the International Commission on Statigraphy. This group is the official arbiter of the geologic time scale, and some time in the next several years they will vote to determine whether the “Anthropocene” is to be fully accepted as the new geologic epoch in which humankind now abides. Additionally, their parent organization, the International Union of Geological Sciences, must also vote.
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There is a significant “twist” to all of this. According to Elizabeth Kolbert, a writer for National Geographic magazine, “The boundaries between epochs are defined by changes preserved in sedimentary rocks – the emergence of one type of commonly fossilized organism, say, or the disappearance of another. The rock record of the present doesn‟t exist yet, of course…..” Well, some say that it will exist and others say no. In the meantime, without an “official” scientific approval that the Anthropocene actually exists, what is a person to do…..what is a collector to believe….. Holocene or Anthropocene? Geologists and other scientific types may debate this for years, but after carefully considering the fragile condition of Mother Earth, your Editor has arrived at his own conclusion: We now live in the Anthropocene! What do you think?
(See “Quiz” next page)
Sources: National Geographic magazine, March 2011, THE AGE OF MAN by Elizabeth Kolbert San Diego Union-Tribune, June11, 2011, article by Mike Lee Other miscellaneous reading and reporting sources
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Collectors‟ Quiz – True or False? (Note: The answers for only 3 of these can be found in the article. Use your general collector‟s knowledge for the other two).
1. Modern man lives in the Pleistocene.
2. The earliest Paleo-Indians lived in the Pleistocene.
3. Middle Archaic Indians lived in the Pleistocene.
4. The Holocene began 3000 years ago.
5. Modern man lives in either the Holocene or the Anthropocene.
ANSWERS TO QUIZ 1- False
2- True
3- False
4- False
Pleistocene Mammoth 14
5- True
IN SITUS Most of the pictures in this section are in situ; however, because circumstances always do no allow an in situ, a few of them are in hand.
Matt Patstone CALIFORNIA
(Photo by Steve Valentine)
Ooooh‌it could be a wicked looking side notch! (Try to find it again at the end of Matt's section!). Matt is a lucky guy; he has access to a lot of private land to hunt.
What the heck is that? It must be a clay bead!
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Matt scored again on July 30, 2011, at another favorite site of his. The pic is a bit fuzzy, but check out the quality of that material. This find demonstrates how an avid hunter can be rewarded by looking right after a rain and a good “blow.”
This July of 2011 excitinglooking find by Matt Patstone looks better in the ground than in the hand, so we will leave it at that.
You don‟t find many scrapers that look like this! Matt found this lying in the desert sand while visiting Utah in late October of 2011.
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Matt P. has this to say about this August 3, 2011 find: “I was walking through the front area of a large hill and decided to squat down just to get a closer look at all the lithic scatter when I saw this sidenotch point. If I didn't squat down I would never have seen it. It's fricken killer!!!! I‟m still on my arrowhead high.”
Matt Patstone‟s Memorial Day Weekend Haul – California.
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Gary Henson CALIFORNIA
This is a stone pipe bowl found by Gary Henson of Poway, California on August 23, 2011. Below are Gary‟s words: “At first I thought it was a hunk of lead or a polished creek stone as it was packed with dirt through and through, so unfortunately no in situ for this one. I was thrilled to find it as it is probably one of my rarest personal finds. It is well made - polished and curved inward at the top, but does have slight damage at the top. The base angles at about 45 degrees and I think it was made that way to fit on a reed or stem of some kind. I can't figure out how they drilled through it as it appears to be made from very hard stone.”
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Keith Brown CALIFORNIA
Found by Keith Brown in California in September, 2011, after a rain.
Steve and David Stangland CALIFORNIA
The Editor found this nice game ball under this boulder just barely showing its top where a squirrel had been digging. Not being sure that it was even an artifact, no in situ was taken.
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Found by the Editor on August 11, 2011. No, not impressive, but check out the nice material!
Found lying flat out near a couple critter holes on October 26, 2011 by David Stangland. We call this California hunting area the “Quartz Site� because 80% of the finds are made of quartz. The pic on the right shows the scenery and a piece of scatter made of the high quality quartz typical of the area. 20
Cliff Jackson NORTH CAROLINA Cliff Jackson found this piece in mid-September of 2011. He says ….“I got a chance to hunt a lake with a couple friends this week. I lucked out and found an old one within 30 minutes. It is a rhyolite Hardaway-Dalton that has very heavy patina, algae and water stain. Believe it or not…..inside this piece there is a fine-grained black/ green flint! It measures 2 3/8" and is heavily ground in the hafting area. No in situ pics available as we were on water, but it was laid up real pretty under one foot of water in an area that previously produced mostly a lot of Woodland triangles and some Morrow Mountains.”
John Selmer VIRGINIA Wow! John Selmer of Virginia found this Clovis in New Mexico on May 12, 2011. Here is John‟s incredible account of how he found this rare piece: “The petrified „chunk‟ of material above the Clovis is actually the piece that caught my eye when I was walking the site. As I was stooping down to pick it up, I saw the Clovis and let out a yell to my hunting partner to come running. I was able to compose myself enough so that I could get the in-situ picture before picking it up. I must have taken 50 pictures from every which way to make sure that at least one would turn out and be in focus. It is a fine grained quartzite material and 2 1/8 inches long.”
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Steve Valentine OHIO
Steve Valentine found this nice black knife on the Goldcamp Site in Lawrence County, Ohio.
“This is a picture of one of my favorite in situs I took all year. I love the way the bird point is sitting up on a little pedestal. This was found on a site that I just discovered this past spring. I decided to take a drive through the country and drove for miles and miles without seeing any fields at all. I finally went up over this really large hill and when I dropped into the valley below. I saw fields on my left with two creeks converging to form a larger creek and I knew it had to be good. After knocking on a few doors I finally found out who owned the property and went and knocked on their door. As I pulled up the driveway I saw this $250,000 home with perfectly manicured lawns and I thought to myself „There is no way they will let me hunt.‟ I couldn't have been more wrong. They were very friendly and the owner asked me to bring back what I found so he could see them. I found 10 that afternoon in about 3 hours and went back to show him and he was amazed I had found all of all those in his field. I came back the next day and found 4 more including the bird point in the picture. I can't wait to get back there next spring.” Steve Valentine – Ohio 22
“Here is a Table Rock I found on the banks of the Ohio River. I had hunted for 3 hours in 95 degree heat and unbelievable humidity and hadn't found anything and I decided to call it a day. I turned to head back to where I climb up the bank and took a few steps, looked to my right, and there this baby was just lying there under a large plank of wood. Talk about an elated feeling. This spot is really hard to get to and doesn't give up a lot, but when it does it is usually a killer.” Steve Valentine
Josh Hudson MISSOURI In June of 2011, Joshua Hudson of Jefferson County, Missouri, visited his favorite field and found his best arrow point of the year….. a nicely serrated little Sequoyah.
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Ken Schmidt MONTANA
Made from Madison chert, this is most likely a Pelican Lake knife. Ken Schmidt of Montana says ….. “Found this on a dig, posted it on the AACA Forum. I was there and can claim it as a personally witnessed find. It‟s like being right behind the guy who uncovered it.” “It's rather an exceptional find, as most are found in pieces. I know of very few recovered whole (in fact, none that I've seen). The stratum it was found in has been carbon dated to 3,500 BP +- 200 yrs, associated with bison bones. It is made from Madison chert from a quarry about 10 miles distant from the site. The piece has been studied by more than a few professionals who didn't want to give it back, but it will be curated by the landowner and put on display with the rest of our finds.”
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COLLECTORSâ€&#x; FAVORITE ARTIFACTS Editorâ€&#x;s note: In our last edition of the magazine, this was a new section. It was well received, so we are repeating it with new submissions. As mentioned in the last issue, continuation of it will depend on YOU. Send your submissions to the Editor at sstangland@cox.net. If the artifact has reader appeal and the photographic qualities are sharp, there is an excellent chance that we will publish it!
Favorites from the Gary Henson Collection
This beautiful Desert General, made of chalcedony, appeared in an earlier publication in the In Situ section. For obvious reasons, it has become a favorite of the finder, Gary Henson. The Editor collects in the same area of Southern California as Gary does and has to mention that this is one of the finest examples he has seen from this collecting area. The point measures 1 1/8 inches and is equally nice on both sides. 25
Two of Garyâ€&#x;s favorites: The Agate Basin (left) measures 5 1/4 inches and is from Cedar County, Missouri. The Hardin (right), also from SW Missouri, measures 5 3/4 inches.
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Favorites from the Editor’s Collection
This 3 3/8 inch Motley, acquired by the Editor at the 2008 AACA artifact show in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, was found in Robertson County, Tennessee. The tip was restored by “Gomer” just a few weeks after its acquisition.
Ninety percent of the points found in San Diego County are typically small arrow points measuring only up to 1.5 inches. This blade, measuring almost three inches, is one of the better pieces the Editor has seen coming from the area. Made of felsite, it is equally well flaked on both sides. It was found in a dry creek bed in a high-desert area of the county. 27
From the Editor‟s collection, this Flint River, Georgia blade exhibits heavy hydro-fluvial polish from tumbling in the waterway. It has a Ben Stermer COA indicating that it is “Late Paleo-Early Archaic” and made from Coastal Plains Chert.
Left: A 2 1/8 inch stemmed Arizona dart point found in late 2007 and acquired from the finder. Right: A Desert Sierra arrow point from the Owens Valley in east central California. Also acquired from the finder. Both in the Editor‟s collection.
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A Favorite from the Robert Whalen Collection
A unique and favorite pipe of Robert and Lori Whalen found in Muskegon County, Michigan. Robert says “This highly developed Beehive Pipe was recovered along with a few celts and a couple dozen Hopewell / Snyder points. Although a productive Hopewell site, I believe the pipe is Fort Ancient and Mississippian in age. Unfortunately this site has now been developed.�
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A Favorite from the James Bennett Collection
Well, it's not a Clovis or a world class axe, but a very nice polished slate humped-back adze. One of the reasons it is my favorite is that I know the Amish boy who found it and the field where it was found here in Ashland Co., Ohio. I bought it from the finder back in the early 1990's and then sold it when I was raising money to buy a field next to our farm. I regretted it the moment I sold it. About a year later, I told a dealer if he ever saw it, I would give him $250 cash if he could get it back and I gave him my catalog tag number that was on the bottom of it. Two years later, at a relic show in Columbus, he walked up to my table and told me that I owed him $250, and he handed it back to me. I was tickled to have it back "home" again, and it sits on my desk where I can appreciate it every day. Jim Bennett
A Favorite from the Robert Dills Collection
This is a fine 3-9/16” Decatur made from “Lightning Line” Coshocton flint. It was recovered in Mercer County, Ohio. Formerly in the collection of Everett Cull.
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Favorites from the Steve Valentine Collection (All Personal Finds)
“This 3/4 grooved axe was found in Lawrence County, Ohio near the town of Miller on a tomato farm. It is made from Granite Porphyry and is about 5 1/2 inches long by 3 1/2 inches high. My brother and I hunt this farm occasionally but since it's such a long drive we don't go there more than once or twice a year. I just happened to be up that direction doing something for work and decided to drive by. Seeing that it was plowed, I figured I might as well hunt it. I had only been there twice with my brother and couldn't remember where the hot spots were, so I called him and he said to enter the field and go left to the far end. I did so and found this within 15 to 20 minutes. I saw it from a distance and at first thought it was a celt. I was floored when I walked up on it and saw the axe. The people driving by on the road less than 50 feet away probably thought I was nuts because I was doing my happy dance.� Steve Valentine
Steve found this 3 inch Notched Base Dovetail in Haverhill, Ohio in Scioto County. He believes it is made from Ft Payne Chert.
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Made from black diorite and measuring 5 inches by 1 1/2 inches, this chisel was found in Scioto County along the banks of the Ohio River near the town of Wheelersburg, Ohio. Steve says, “It was found right along the edge of the water rolling back and forth with the waves.”
“The Thebes hafted scraper is also from the area of Wheelersburg, in Scioto County, Ohio. It is made from heat treated Carter Cave Flint that I am told turns this color of green sometimes when it is heat treated. When I first saw this piece in the ground I thought it was just a thumb scraper since only the tip was exposed. I was very pleasantly surprised when I pulled it out of the ground. It is right at 2 inches long by 1 5/8 inches wide and is in pristine condition.” Steve Valentine
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THE CRITTER GALLERY The AACA Magazine would like to publish your “critter” pictures. Artifact hunters are constantly in field and forest and often have opportunities to snap pictures of our wild friends. This is one of the joys of our hobby. Sometimes the only in situ picture the hunter gets is one of an insect or animal. Our readers would like to see your “critter” pictures! Ideally, pictures should be of creatures you capture on film while out hunting points. (Please, no zoo pics!) Any type of “creature” will suffice….insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, etc. Of course, the pics need to be at least of average or better resolution. Send to sstangland@cox.net. We hope that you enjoy the following “Critter Gallery.” Don‟t miss the one at the end of the article (the “best for last”).
While hunting points in June of 2011, the Editor spotted this little stinker trying to hide in about six inches of water. Gently handled, some snakes realize that you don‟t want to harm them, and will allow the type of handling you see above. 33
Just a common Alligator Lizard spotted by the Editor at the 5300 foot level in a Southern California mountain meadow in mid June of 2011. However, his coloring is very different from his sea level cousins. He is lighter with more grayish blue tones and some brown splotches on top.
“Peek-a-boo” says this California “Mulie,” caught staring at the Editor in November 2011.
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Do you remember “Arrow” the Arroyo Toad from our Summer 2011 issue? This is “Rose Springs,” Arrow‟s once-pollywog girlfriend. Both are endangered species and were raised from tadpoles by Editor Stangland. Rose did not morph into a toad in time to get her picture in the summer issue with “Arrow.” She missed it by a few days. Nevertheless, Rose Springs was released into the wild into her boyfriend‟s San Diego finger canyon only a few days later. The Editor is confident that they found one another once again!
Lest you forgot: Here is a pic of boyfriend “Arrow”
The ubiquitous and well camouflaged Horned Lizard, captured on cam by Matt Patstone in late July of 2011 in the desert east of San Diego.
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The Editor found this near-four foot critter on August 10, 2011, in a Southern California mountain forest. He was lurking near a ground squirrel hole anticipating his next meal!
In early September of 2011 Matt Patstone spotted 5 baby sidewinders. In his coiled position, the little serpent to the right is no larger than a silver dollar, but is very aggressive.
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On a southern California mountain trail in early October of 2011, the Editor and John Dillon found this little guy, about 10-11 inches long and probably only several weeks old. Notice how this little Gopher Snake flattens out his head into a triangular form to simulate a rattler to scare off his enemies. But on this day, he was all bluff and was very cooperative when handled gently. 37
Pictures from Steve Nagle of northeast Kansas. Yes, that‟s a Copperhead.
Another Horny Toad (technically “Horned Lizard”). This little guy was caught scurrying across a path by David Stangland while departing a site. The young reptile was so full of energy we couldn‟t get him to stop for a quick portrait, so David scooped him up while his hunting partner (the Editor) recorded his countenance.
Here he is again for his third issue in row: Gary Henson of Poway, California, with yet another string of fine Missouri bass. On his annual trek back to his home state, Gary was more successful this year in finding slimy “critters” than in finding points.
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A gorgeous Banded Gecko spotted near Ocotillo Wells in the desert east of San Diego. Submission from Greg Basham of California.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake – Desert Phase - Scissors Crossing in the desert east of San Diego. Photo by Greg Basham. 39
Note the coin. Obviously, this is a baby…..a Sidewinder residing near Ocotillo Wells in the desert east of San Diego. Photo by Greg Basham.
Desert Hairy Scorpion – Borrego Springs, California Greg Basham submissions.
Long Nosed Snake – Ranchita, California.
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AACA Director Ken Schmidt comments as follows: “Looking around a bison jump site, found this friendly bull snake. He hissed twice but settled down for photos with visitors from England who got some great pictures of a 6â€&#x; snake wrapped around their shoulders. Let him go without injury to the snake or tourists.
Attention outdoor enthusiasts-Send your wildlife pics to sstangland@cox.net for possible publication in the AACA Magazine. 41
The Story of the North American Buffalo Compiled by Loyd Doty
Like the humans that would eventually follow, the bison migrated across the Bering land mass and spread over the entire North American continent. The actual millennium they arrived can only be guessed at, but various forms of the genus Bison have been an omnipresent element in North America for a known three million years and were the most prevalent large herbivore during the last 100,000 years. How many centuries during that time were the herds tracked and harvested by man? We know that it was for a minimum of 12,000 years and could possibly have been for much longer. We also know that hunting by nineteenth century humans played the central role in the near extinction of bison in North America, leaving small, closely controlled populations at the end of the 19th century.
The first arrivals, Bison priscus, populated Alaska then evolved into the Bison latifrons that populated the rest of the continent and prospered for three million years. Then about 22 thousand years ago the Latifrons died out and were replaced by Bison antiquus, the primary bison species until around ten thousand years ago. Their extinction along with all the rest of the Pleistocene megafauna brought about the rise of the Bison bison species we know today. Bison antiquus was taller, had larger bones and horns and was considerably larger overall than modern bison. The horns of Bison antiquus measured three feet.
Left: Bison bison (modern)
Right: Bison antiquus (Pleistocene)
Picture source: texasbeyondhistory.net
Bison bison is one of the most endearing and noble figures representing the ideal of what the American West was. Today about all we know of them is what we see in a zoo or park, movies, sculptures or paintings. The land “where the buffalo roam” is now only a departed image of America‟s rich historical heritage. The millions that grazed the continent freely prior to European arrival have been reduced to a few pockets of “managed” populations. Only a hundred fifty years ago, a species that once covered the plains became endangered. 42
Skull of Bison Antiquus
Pile of Bison Bison Skulls 1870‟s
Bison bison, however, in recent years has been removed from the threatened or endangered species lists. Per National Park statistics, approximately 30,000 live in private or public herds and another 400,000 are raised as livestock.
How is it possible that herds of millions were decimated following the arrival of the Europeans? What happened? “Some scholars suggest that in order to make migration to the west easier, the US government, through the Army, adopted a policy to exterminate the buffalo. Extermination of the buffalo would inevitably mean the demise of the Indians who so relied on them for almost every aspect of their existence. Generals Sheridan and Sherman recognized that eliminating the buffalo severely reduced the Indians' capacity to continue an armed struggle. Army forts provided support and supplies for hunters who used the civilian services often found nearby. Officers and enlisted personnel also killed buffalo for food and sport, though the impact of their hunts was minimal when compared to the organized efforts of the professionals.” Ref: The Military and United States Indian Policy, p. 171
According to Colonel Homer Wheeler, an officer who fought with the United States Fifth and Eleventh Cavalry for 35 years and who lived to write about his expeditions out West, "Millions of Buffalo were slaughtered for the hides and meat, principally for the hide. Some of the expert hunters made considerable money at that occupation.” Ref: Buffalo Days, p. 80
In 1874, Secretary of the Interior Delano testified before Congress, "The buffalo are disappearing rapidly, but not faster than I desire. I regard the destruction of such game as Indians subsist upon as facilitating the policy of the Government; destroying their hunting habits, coercing them onto reservations and compelling them to begin to adopt the habits of civilization.” Ref: The Military and United States Indian Policy, p. 171
Two years later, reporter John F. Finerty wrote that the government's Indian allies "…killed the animals in sheer wantonness, and when reproached by some officers, said: „better to kill the buffalo than have him feed the Sioux.'" Sheridan added that "If I could learn that every buffalo in the northern herd were killed I would be glad.” Ref: The Military and United States Indian Policy, p. 172 43
General George Custer had this to say: "To find employment for the few weeks which must ensue before breaking up camp was sometimes a difficult task. To break the monotony and give horses and men exercise, buffalo hunts were organized, in which officers and men joined heartily. I know of no better drill for perfecting men in the use of firearms on horseback, and thoroughly accustoming them to the saddle, than buffalo hunting over a moderately rough country. No amount of riding under the best of drill masters will give that confidence and security in the saddle which will result from a few spirited charges into a buffalo herd." Ref: My Life on the Plains, General George Custer, p. 111
Some of the above referenced evidence seems to point to the existence of an official military policy, but the debate about whether one actually existed still continues.
There are historical indications that there was some military opposition to the slaughter of the buffalo. In 1873, the Secretary of War was forwarded a letter from Major R.J. Dodge, endorsed by Generals Pope and Sheridan, that addressed the problem. The Secretary of War also approved Sheridan's request which seemed to indicate the general's own ambivalence on the subject, to authorize Col. De L. Floyd Jones "to put a stop to their wholesale destruction." Several officers protested the wanton destruction to Henry Bergh, president of the America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The army, while anxious to strike against the Indians' ability to continue their resistance, did not make the virtual extermination of the American bison part of its official policy; in some cases, individual officers took it upon themselves to try and end the slaughter. Ref: The Military and United States Indian Policy, p. 171
To provide the reader with additional insight regarding this American icon, the buffalo, the remaining paragraphs in this article represent miscellaneous and personal accounts from people who lived in those times.
"Buffalo hunting was dangerous sport. Although at times it looked like murder, if you took a buffalo in his native element he had plenty of courage and would fight tenaciously if given an opportunity. Like all other animals, the buffalo scented danger at a distance and tried to escape by running away, but if he did not escape he would make a stand and fight to the last, for which every one must respect him.” Ref: Buffalo Days, p. 82
“Some of the habits of the Buffalo herds are clearly fixed in my memory. The bulls were always found on the outer edge, supposedly acting as protectors to the cows and calves. For ten to twenty miles one would often see solid herds of the animals. Until the hunters commenced to kill them off, their only enemies were the wolves and coyotes. A medium-sized herd, at that time, dotted the prairie for hundreds of miles, and to guess at the number in a herd was like trying to compute the grains of wheat in a granary.” Ref: Buffalo Days, p. 81
"The stupidity of the buffalo was remarkable. When one of their number was killed the rest of the herd, smelling the blood, would become excited, but instead of stampeding would gather around the dead buffalo, pawing, bellowing and hooking it viciously. Taking advantage of this well-known habit of the creature, the hunter would kill one animal and then wipe out almost the entire herd." Ref: Buffalo Days, p. 82
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In 1873 over 750,000 hides were shipped on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad alone, and it is estimated that over 7.5 million buffalo were killed from 1872 to 1874. Ref: General Pope and U.S. Indian Policy, p. 179
“In the fall of 1885, as a young acting assistant surgeon for the United States Army, I was stationed with A Troop, Fifth Cavalry, for a short time at Cantonment, Indian Territory. We had several bands of Cheyenne under our care. Among the chiefs we had Stone Calf, Little Robe, Spotted Horse and White Horse. Having learned the sign language, I had many talks with these Indians. Stone Calf and Little Robe were greatly troubled over the disappearance of the buffalo. They told me that the Great Spirit created the buffalo in a large cave in the panhandle of Texas; that the evil spirits had closed up the mouth of the cave and the buffalo could not get out. They begged me to get permission from the Great Father at Washington for them to go and open the cave and let the buffalo out. They claimed to know the exact location of the cave. They even wanted me to accompany them.� Army Surgeon O. C. McNary. Ref: Buffalo Days, p. 349
In conclusion, hopefully the reader now has a greater appreciation and understanding of the history of the plains buffalo. Eventually, with the herds greatly reduced to the point of near extinction, the American government.....which may have played a role in allowing the wholesale slaughter of the species....stepped forward to enact legislation to protect it, thus allowing the beginning of the repopulation of this noble American animal.
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The Bison by Steve Nagle
Nomadic seas, thirty million or more, Over brown waves, the eagle once soared.
Native followed the bison and hunted with spears, Great Spirit provided for 10,000 years.
Warriors chased them on foot, into deep snow, Or forced over cliffs, to their death below.
Though killed by the thousands, no dent in the herd, Only took what they needed, their lives preserved.
Meat butchered and dried, hides softened for clothes, The muscle sinew, used as strings for their bows.
Both native and bison lived side by side, The native assured for the Spirit to provide.
On one gray day unfamiliar faces arrived, And from that day forward began the divide.
Hunters and settlers and long iron tracks, Senseless and wasteful, the constant attacks.
Red and brown union, erased from the plains, Settler hunted for sport, ripped life from their veins.
From millions to hundreds, the roaming seas died, The emptiness filled‌ with tears from their eyes. 46