Indian skinning tool?

[MichaelB]

As you can see these are arrowheads but I am not sure what the middle one is. They were all found within 50 feet of each other. On the back is what looks like 2 nothches where maybe a stick went. The front has a sharp edge. I think it is some type of animal skinning tool but that is only a guess.

Thanks.

MichaelB

 

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[Noodle]

That's really interesting. Looks like the Stealth bomber. Any way to get a little clearer picture? I'm thinking you're on the right track. Will check my reference books at home tonight.

 

[MichaelB]

I scanned it and zoomed. Maybe it will help. I have never found a picture of another one.

Thanks for any help.

MichaelB

 

[trk5capt]

Maybe a scraper for animal skins. trk5capt...

 

[paleoheadhunter]

Killer artifacts!!!!I've never seen one of those down here in FL,but with the serations I would think maybe a bone handle knife.Possibly notched like that to keep from sliding.Very nice!Congrats!HH NATE

 

[DigEmAll]

Well Mike, you have a very unique artifact there. It did have a handle on it and it isn't large enough nor heavy enough to be an axe. I am going to have to go with a knife. It really isn't like any of the knives I have or any others that I have seen, but it really doesn't fit into any other of my categories. It's really to small and pointy to be a scraper. Those sharp ends would wreak havoc on an animal skin. It is also too straight along the cutting edge to be a skinner. Those would have a nice natural curve to the blade side. That only really leaves knives or something obscure that isn't popping into my mind right now!

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks for the input. The local guys around here have never seen one like this either. I can't get over how uniform the shape is and that the two points where a stick would go are right in the middle. Thanks again.

 

[DugHoles]

Maybe a scraper for animal skins. trk5capt...

My thoughts as well

GL & HH,

DugHoles

 

[MichaelB]

A guy in Texas sent me the following picture. He seems to believe it is a mid back tang knife. He said a mid back is very rare and most desired so I guess I will kep it.

MichaelB

 

[Noodle]

Did the guy in Texas tell you what they were used for (specifically)??

- Noodle

 

[SilverTee]

A guy in Texas sent me the following picture.? He seems to believe it is a mid back tang knife.? He said a mid back is very rare and most desired so I guess I will kep it.

MichaelB

The guy from Texas is right.

I went to google and typed in Mid back tang knife, Then hit I'm feeling lucky.
You will come to a web site that will give you a short history of Tang Knifes.
I tried to post a direct link but could not make it work. Hope this helps.

Thanks, SilverTee HH

 

[kenb]

Fantastic find , congratulations!!

 

[Atlantis0077]

Greetings,

You have me at a bit of a disadvantage not being to actually examine the artifact up close and personal; however, if I were to give you my "gut" feeling on the matter it would be this. First let me say, this applies only if you purchased the artifact or got it from a friend, if you actually found the item on site then disregard as just ramblings. It appears to me that the item is of recent manufacture. I see many such items at gem and mineral sales normally they are called hawk or eagle effigies..... The base tang knives that another poster showed are indeed artifacts similar in nature, but you can readily see the fine chipping and quality materials they are made from. As I said its hard to tell from the photo and not knowing the history of your piece. Just my opinion on the matter. I have been collecting for over 30 years and have never seen an authentic piece such as this. If it truly is so, you have an oddity to say the least.

 

[MichaelB]

I found this on a sand bar after last years hurricanes. A ton of water came down through the Delta so new things got deposited and uncovered on the sand bars. The location is not to far from an Indian Mound that is being examined by local archies. I have found regular arrowheads from time to time but this one had me stumped.

 

[Monty]

It may be an Indian skinning tool but don't go skinning any Indians just yet. The US Government gave them a good skinning as it is! Montyi

 

[Wetgreenie]

That is the coolest stone utility knife blade I've ever seen.

 

[MichaelB]

I think you might have it right!

 

[DigEmAll]

Who says that indians are primitive?!?! Just look at that! That guy was a regular DaVinci! Now you can go look for the utility knife it goes in!