#42 Pap's Artifact Collection

My Dad recently found a small arrowhead collection while he and his siblings were going through their parents earthly belongings. The arrowheads are pretty average for this area, with a couple in pretty good shape. The thing that made me sit up and shout was the birdstone! We don't know if Pap found it, but I would guess he did, because he wasn't an avid collector who would go around buying stuff up. I'd guess he found most of this stuff in his youth in the '30's. In the video I say it's the nicest artifact I've ever seen-I should have said handled. Anyway, its pretty awsome. Would love to see any birdstones you all have in your collections. Thanks for watching

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• arrowheads
• Pennsylvania
• birdstone
• artifacts
• indian
• slate

[theshortladders]

Glacial Kame Culture was big around Toledo and they did birdstones. It's not unthinkable that some of them drifted your way there in PA. BTW, we're here in Ebensburg now, can't wait to get out in the fields around Yellow Creek and elsewhere this coming spring.

[1contraryfarmer]

@theshortladders Good to hear you all made it to Ebensburg. I have the whole set of USGS 7.5 minute series topo maps for PA(got them free-saved from being recycled). If they would be helpful to you all in finding some good sites to hunt, I'd gladly send you the ones of the Ebensburg area. If you would like them, just get me your address.

[paleface6167]

I think the tail got broke off in use and he reground the end at the break and redrilled it . Awesome artifact though all the same.

[1contraryfarmer]

@paleface6167 I never thought of that, but its very possible. Thanks for the idea

[greatbasinman]

WOW!! I've only seen birdstones in photos. What an awesome artifact to have in your family!!! Are they usually drilled like that, any clue how they were used, maybe having something to do with an atlatl??? I think your cat thought it was a bird, lol

[1contraryfarmer]

@greatbasinman hey I've been doing a little research on birdstones lately and it seems they were all drilled like that. I think so they could be loosely tied to something. I don't think there are any really conclusive ideas about their usage. Theories range from atlatl components, to hair dressing, to pendants and other decorative uses. I read an article that tells of an unsubstantiated report of one found in a cave tied to a flute. Makes sense-birds sing. Thanks for the comments all!

[dakellymon]

Nice find

[1luckysob36]

wow what a killer bird stone lol the cat about knocked it out of your hand

[TheTribeOfBenjamin]

Absolutely beautiful collection! Thanks for posting. I am learning a lot from your videos

[brians840]

Awsome collection