buffalo scapula hoes and shovels

[larson1951]

these are some of the only buffalo shoulder blade shovels or hoes i have found in the last 20 some years
most have been broke from farm equipment back in the early 1900's
it has not been farmed for at least twenty or more years
you can tell which are the earlier examples from the later examples
if you look closely at the back side of these tools you will see that the two ribs on the back have been removed
the older examples have had the ribs removed by a flint or chert blade
the later pieces have had the ribs cut off with a metal blade
i believe the two on the left are older
the last three images are my attempt at trying to show the sharpness of the working edge
steve

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Get-the-point]

Nice finds!!!! Love the one on the end with all the polish......To bad they are broke. You will get lucky and find that whole one one day!!!!....................GTP(Chris)

 

[flintdigger]

Very interesting, I always enjoying seeing these bone tools.

 

[johnfile]

Beautiful photos, man! I love that beautiful smooth finish from use.....interesting info as to how you can tell the older ones....I thinkl the archaeologists could learn MUCH from you!
I've been hurting too much to call....missed church Sunday..will call as soon as I feel up to it...thanks again my friend!