My First Finds - Stumbled Across a Site

[KYshooter]

Let me begin by saying that I am not an artifact hunter (or, at least, I wasn't ). I am an avid metal detectorist.

This afternoon I was searching an area near an old cemetery on a local farm. The cemetery is VERY old, containing many graves from the early to mid 1800's. I completely struck out in the metal department ... just some old square nails and a couple of old shotgun shell casings. But as I walked around the area I was struck by the sheer volume of flint pieces.

I began to scan areas of bare ground, especially on the downhill sides of large trees ... that's where the most flint pieces were exposed.

I was completely stoked to find three broken points, a large, flat scraping tool of some sort, and a rather fat scraper/knife. Not sure about the ID's, hoping for a little help. Here's a pic of all that I picked up:

And here is a close-up of the points and tools:

While digging a couple of metal signals, I noticed that my holes and removed dirt were absolutely full of chipped flint. The ground is literally packed with the stuff.

The site is on top of a high, flat bluff overlooking a large creek and bottomland. It's a perfect place for a dwelling / transitional site.

The owner has granted me permission to look, search, and even dig to my heart's content. I've enlisted the help of a friend of mine who is an avid hunter, and I'm really lookng forward to "learning the ropes."

 

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[WhiteCountyPaleo]

Not sure about digging in Kentucky...I've seen videos and
pics of people digging in Kentucky, but that doesn't make
it legal...Anybody know? Here in Indiana it's a no go...

 

[archer66]

Can't help ya with ID but you sure have a good start anyway.

 

[John G. Scoggins]

Is that a point in the upper right hand corner?Sure has the outline of a Paleo point.

 

[KYshooter]

Not sure about digging in Kentucky...I've seen videos and
pics of people digging in Kentucky, but that doesn't make
it legal...Anybody know? Here in Indiana it's a no go...

It is only prohibited on lands owned or leased by the state. Also, excavation of caves is prohibited. And, of course, digging grave sites is illegal ... as well it should be.

But digging in fields and woods on private property is still the decision of the land owner. For now, at least, landowner's rights are still respected in our commonwealth.

 

[Th3rty7]

Uh Oh, looks like someone caught the fever...good luck trying to shake it. Looks like you're on a promising spot with lots of Lithics. You gotta love those Ky. materials.

 

[KYshooter]

Is that a point in the upper right hand corner?Sure has the outline of a Paleo point.

I don't think so ... that's just the angle of the piece toward the camera. I'll have someone who knows check it, though. Gracias!

 

[Tnmountains]

I would say with permission set up sifters and have fun. Looks like woodland era. If the area has never been plowed try to locate areas with charcoal and start there. Most fields that are plowed the material is spread out by the plow over large areas. If it has never been farmed and is in a natural state I would start around any large boulders or rocks first. If none are present then do some test holes. They would often keep there areas clean if they inhabited it for a long period of time as the flint chips would cut and slice up everybody walking around so you may be in there trash pit. Thats a good place to start as any. Area with charcoal in the soil are other good places .
Good luck and have fun.Try to document your recoverys and keep the land owner informed. You may not touch your metal detector for years now
TnMtns

 

[joshuaream]

If I remember correctly, the only thing about digging in Kentucky is a specific clause about having written permission from the owner with you. The wording is very specific.

I doubt it is checked, but written permission is always a good thing if you can get it. Other than that, enjoy!

 

[KYshooter]

If I remember correctly, the only thing about digging in Kentucky is a specific clause about having written permission from the owner with you. The wording is very specific.

I doubt it is checked, but written permission is always a good thing if you can get it. Other than that, enjoy!

That provision applies only to caves ...

Code Book: Kentucky Revised Statutes
Citation: §433.873
Section Title: Wrongful disturbance or damage to cave surfaces or material found therein
Summary:

(1)(e) Prohibits a person, without the express, prior written permission of the owner, from willfully and knowingly excavating, removing, destroying, injuring, defacing or disturbing any burial grounds, historic or prehistoric resources, archeological or paleontological site, including fossils, bones, relics, inscriptions, saltpeter works, remains of historical human activity or any other such features that may be found in any cave, except those caves owned by the commonwealth or designated as commonwealth archeological sites or zones and are subject to the provisions of §164.705 through §164.735.

 

[uniface]

You have likely found what's called a Knapping Site -- a place where roughed out chunks and blanks from their source were worked up into finished tools and points. The size of your flakes (small) indicates that they were from the last shaping / refining phases. On a hill top for a nice breeze in summer, with good shade and a clear view.

What you're likely to find there is more of the same -- more little flakes and the occasional broken and discarded artifact. It will keep you out of bar rooms and billiard parlors, but it's not likely you'll find much of what you're looking for at that spot.

My two cents.

 

[RGINN]

Great finds. Uniface has some good info. We find a lot of flakes on the south side of a hill. This was a good place to go in the winter, as it was out of the wind and in the sun. There wasn't much to do in the winter time anyway, so it was a good time to catch up on tool making. There was a tendency to find one good spot to spend the winter in and stay there, if you weren't farmers. When the weather got better there was a lot of moving around. Anyway, there's usually a village site around somewhere close.

 

[GroundS.KeepeR]

You have likely found what's called a Knapping Site -- a place where roughed out chunks and blanks from their source were worked up into finished tools and points. The size of your flakes (small) indicates that they were from the last shaping / refining phases. On a hill top for a nice breeze in summer, with good shade and a clear view.

What you're likely to find there is more of the same -- more little flakes and the occasional broken and discarded artifact. It will keep you out of bar rooms and billiard parlors, but it's not likely you'll find much of what you're looking for at that spot.

My two cents.

Ok i have a spot with flint everywere. even finding some Arrows..What areas should i move too from that spot?

 

[GroundS.KeepeR]

I would say with permission set up sifters and have fun. Looks like woodland era. If the area has never been plowed try to locate areas with charcoal and start there. Most fields that are plowed the material is spread out by the plow over large areas. If it has never been farmed and is in a natural state I would start around any large boulders or rocks first. If none are present then do some test holes. They would often keep there areas clean if they inhabited it for a long period of time as the flint chips would cut and slice up everybody walking around so you may be in there trash pit. Thats a good place to start as any. Area with charcoal in the soil are other good places .
Good luck and have fun.Try to document your recoverys and keep the land owner informed. You may not touch your metal detector for years now
TnMtns

charcoal in the soil ? can you please explain this more please..