Stone Tools

[The Grim Reaper]

This post is not directed at anyone in particular. I am just posting this so people can get an understanding of just what is and what isn't a Stone Tool manufactured by ancient man.

Stone was shaped into useful Tools with another stone. In other words, they would take the desired stone they wanted to make into an Axe, Celt, Pestle, etc and use a Peck Stone to peck the rock into the Tool they wanted. This would leave the object rough and without a sharp blade edge.This is when the grinding a polishing began which I'm sure was a long, drawn out process. If you know what to look for you can see this process on almost every stone tool you find. There are times when the piece is so highly polished that all of the peck marks are gone, but most of the time the peck marks are still evident somewhere on the object.

These loaded out of order, but the first two pictures are of a personal find and a perfect example of what I am talking about. This Axe is polished smooth a glass on the bit and the face on both sides and inside the groove. But just behind the groove you can see the peck marks from where it was pecked into shape.

Pictures #6 and #12 show Peck Stones found on sites where we found Celts, Axes, Pestles, etc. If you look closely you can see the peck marks on quite a few pieces in these pictures. Another interesting note is the smaller of the two Pestles side by side has been pecked into shape but the dark line you see around the edge in the original outer rind of the stone they left on purpose. It is polished all around the base.

I hope this helps and everyone please feel free to add your Stone Tools to the thread so we can get a good discussion going.

 

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[IAMZIM]

That was a good explanation, Thanks Grim!

 

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[jmaschal]

@astralea1692 start a new thread of your own - might help to generate a response to your specific question and to not detract from the topic of stone tools. Good luck.

 

[astralea1692]

Thank you...Sorry, sure didn't mean to be a distraction...or rude! Appreciate the heads up!

 

[EricTheCat]

Thanks Grim for putting together this nice little lesson. Great information and I really think this helps people know what to look for. By the way, awesome collection.

 

[rock]

Well I have found a few things in the last 5 years of collecting. I started late in life on this great hobby. I use to be a avid fisherman most of my life and moved to this area which has not many fish and found a point then was hooked (pun). I have been lucky enough to meet some nice property owners which dont really care about artifacts and dont care what I keep and that being said these are some of my best finds made from stone. I have been told that the Celts are a rare find now days. Hope you enjoy seeing my personal finds, rock

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Impressive collection. Are these weapons? I am trying to imagine what utility they would have had, I don't see someone chopping a tree with them, unless they were much sharper at one time.

The Celts and Axes could possibly been weapons if and when needed, but I'm sure their main use was just what we use Axes for, to chop down trees. Also most likely used to carve out Dugout Canoes. They would burn the center and then chop out the burnt wood because it came out easier. I think there are videos on YouTube show te process.

The Pestles were used to crush nuts and grains and the Grooved Mauls were most likely used as Hammers but could have possibly been a weapon too in needed.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

I've been collecting (mainly my own finds) for yr.s; I have now came to a point in life, where I should be sharing/selling off quite a few PC.s, although none have been authenticated.I'm in southern In., where native Americans were in an Nancy, along with the area where the third glacier pushed to. Any advice on selling ? Appreciate any. (& yes, I hoard many gemstones, fossils,etc. Since the area is plentiful).Thanks!!!

No need to apologize for asking a question on here. I would post some pictures of what you have and see what everyone thinks. You may get some offers in PM's.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Well I have found a few things in the last 5 years of collecting. I started late in life on this great hobby. I use to be a avid fisherman most of my life and moved to this area which has not many fish and found a point then was hooked (pun). I have been lucky enough to meet some nice property owners which dont really care about artifacts and dont care what I keep and that being said these are some of my best finds made from stone. I have been told that the Celts are a rare find now days. Hope you enjoy seeing my personal finds, rock

Great looking Stone Tools. Thanks for sharing them, rock.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Grim, thanks for your answer. It's remarkable how many of these stone tools you have found. You really have the hunter's eye.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Grim, thanks for your answer. It's remarkable how many of these stone tools you have found. You really have the hunter's eye.

To be fair I didn't find all of these. Most of the Celts are personal finds, but just three Axes and two Pestles are personal finds. I do have a bunch Hammerstones, Hoes, Pitted Stones, Mortars, and Peck Stones though.

 

[BearCreek]

Well I have found a few things in the last 5 years of collecting. I started late in life on this great hobby. I use to be a avid fisherman most of my life and moved to this area which has not many fish and found a point then was hooked (pun). I have been lucky enough to meet some nice property owners which dont really care about artifacts and dont care what I keep and that being said these are some of my best finds made from stone. I have been told that the Celts are a rare find now days. Hope you enjoy seeing my personal finds, rock

Very nice one! first group, middle, bottom row.

 

[pickaway]

Nice collection of stone!

 

[unclemac]

as much as i like to find points...the whole tool kit is always pretty awesome

 

[rock]

Very nice one! first group, middle, bottom row.

Left side Hoes middle Celts right side Heart breakers. But there is one whole game piece made from stone all the rest are pottery almost whole game pieces. Lots of bending. 1 st frame. The other is some different things and the 3rd pic is all Grinders, Hammers and a couple of small Metates probably hand held cause they are only 5-6 inches long.

 

[Jon Stewart]

Uncle mac: I didn't find a whole tool kit but one afternoon walking back to the truck I found my deepest dished metate and 5 manos in one spot. The manos were all different sizes. I told my wife I found her a kitchenaide but she didn't think that was too funny. lol

 

[unclemac]

now THAT made me smile

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Nice collection of stone!

Thanks, man. You finding much this year? I have one good Point in about 5 or 6 hunts.

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Bump up for someone who needs to look at these.

 

[CHUDs]

Sweet collection!

 

[mainejman]

Here in Maine most wood working tools were pecked then ground.They are usually well made out of stone that was suitable for this type of tool making.Occasionally they made variances that were made more expeditely and with less detail..