Hammer-time?

[eastTNJoe]

I want to start by saying I have my doubts that this is a hammerstone, but I have recognized that in the 3 months since I have started hunting my eyes are only trained on chipped flint. The other day when I tried sifting for the first time this stone showed up in the same spot as 3 points. It just seemed different than the others...both in material and shape, but I didn't think much of it....but I kept it. I forgot about it until I was cleaning out the kayak. I started looking at it today and gripping it and it could be my imagination, but there are several worn areas that my hand molds to perfectly. It won't hurt my feelings if the expertise of the forum members casts doubt on this...I would welcome any critique. Anyways, here are several photos of it.

The pics are meant to show that the stone conforms nicely to my hand...it even works if I rotate the stone 90 degrees. The last pic is the one that makes me doubt it...it is of what would be the impact point...it doesn't look any different, but I am not sure what characteristics it would have...again, fire away your thoughts...I appreciate any ideas.

 

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[rock]

Is it quartzite? If it is it wouldnt make a good hammer. I have tried different types of rocks while walking the field as in hammers and most will crack before they even make a ding in a good size piece of flint. It was a fun try for me and taught me some things I didnt know.

 

[eastTNJoe]

I have no idea Rock...I am lousy at identifying types of stone...what would most of them be made of?

 

[rock]

It would be very grainy in the inside but yet smooth on the outside. Some are more grainy than others and they break quite easy compared to flint on the hardness scale. I believe flint is harder than quartz.

 

[Tnmountains]

Sorry Joe. Most times they will be out of a river cobble with that brown cortex on them. Sometimes they used what ever they could grab but it would not have the natural inclusions as they would know it would not hold up.. Even some river cobbles will have tumble wear and look like hammer stones. A well used hammer stone will be bell shaped or acorn shaped. They often made points with the small cobbles as well cause they grabbed material.

 

[eastTNJoe]

Thanks...like I said...I doubted myself, but I figure I need to start looking for all artifacts, not just those that are so obvious as points.

 

[Tnmountains]

You are so right. Many things get passed by. Thumb scrapers are one and hammer stones. I know I have missed much but now days what was once passed over is now treasure. Better to bring it home and start that rock garden we all have.

 

[rock]

I have a pile of rocks rite now next to my worked pieces. I have to take them back. When they are dirty it is hard to tell if they are worked or not till you wash them off. I dont take any chances when I pick one up that feels like it might be worked. Sometimes I am glad I brought them home other times they go in the rock pile for return.

 

[eastTNJoe]

yes... my rock garden is growing as fast as my rain-soaked jungle yard.

 

[rock]

You getting rain? I hope not cause we are just now drying out and I am hoping to get into a plowed field next week other wise no hunting for me for a while

 

[eastTNJoe]

You getting rain? I hope not cause we are just now drying out and I am hoping to get into a plowed field next week other wise no hunting for me for a while

actually no..it has been great weather here...but I mowed this weekend and it felt like that Husqvarna commercial where the plants take over each day...hope you get to those fields soon and maybe I will join you!

 

[rock]

I am going to check to see if they have been plowed yet in a couple of days. They should of gotten done this week because it is dry now. I can keep my fingers crossed and hope.