GETTING STARTED - So you want to start arrowhead collecting and you don't know where to begin. Hopefully we can pass on some of the things we learned getting started in the hobby. Here is my advice on getting started in Ohio. First, you need to know what you are looking for. Look at some pictures of the arrowheads, scrapers, etc and see what flaking is. You can see where the rock was worked. Also look at the hardstone artifacts. Nutting stones, hammerstones, pestles, manos etc. This will give you an idea of what to look for. Second, find a place to hunt. This is the hardest part. We still only have 3 fields, and 1 of them is in Kentucky. Getting permission can be easy if you're not afraid to knock on doors and ask permission. We unfortunately are not too comfortable with that. However, we have come up with two other methods. The first is to mention to everyone you talk to, family, friends, co-workers, teammates, etc. that you arrowhead hunt and are loking for fields. Somebody is bound to know a farmer willing to let you walk their field. This is how we found our best field. The other effective method is to mail letters, or drop them off in mailboxes. Explain who you are, what you want to do, and that you will respect their land and wishes. Leave contact information for them to get in touch with you. It also doesn't hurt to leave a second letter if you get no response, but I would probably stop after that. We got permission on two farms this way, and denied once. The best place to hunt is a farm that is near a water source. You also want it to be above the flood plain. Wait until the field has been plowed. Then wait for the first good rain. You'll be amazed at what a difference a good rain will make. A field can go from turning up nothing, to finding a bunch of flint and artifacts just because of rain. Walk up and down each row looking for the artifacts. Walk slowly and look closely or you will miss them. Sometimes you only see a little bit sticking out. I bring home all the flint I find. Sometimes you don't notice it's been worked until you get it home and clean it off. If you notice any ridges or mounds in a field, start there. Most fields will have certain areas that have the most artifacts. You also have to be patient. You could spend hours in a field, and find only debitage or nothing at all. We have only field hunted. Other good places to hunt are in rivers and creeks. However, make sure they are natural and not manmade or you will be wasting time. If you know you are at an Indian camp, digging is also an option. I'm not sure what the laws are in Ohio, so I would check them first. I know in Indiana you can get arrested for digging. Also, be careful on public land. Not sure what the laws are on that either in Ohio, but it can get you in big trouble in Indiana. Construction sites are good also. When you see construction at sites that haven't been built before, like new subdivisions or new roads, that can also turn some up. Again, you need to wait for the rain. Hopefully these tips will help you get started. The best part is, you live in one of the best places to hunt artifacts. Ohio is considered one of the top five states.
We also recommend joining arrowheadology.com. It is the greatest forum on the internet. The people are very knowledgeable and willing to help
We also recommend joining arrowheadology.com. It is the greatest forum on the internet. The people are very knowledgeable and willing to help
I recommend the following book. It mainly focuses on the Native American aspect of archaeology, but I really like it
I also recommend the following books.
Ancient Indian Artifacts Volume 1 Introduction to Collecting
Indian Bannerstones & Related Artifacts (Identification and Value Guide)
Ancient Indian Artifacts Volume 2
Authenticating Ancient Indian Artifacts
Ancient Indian Artifacts Volume 1 Introduction to Collecting
Indian Bannerstones & Related Artifacts (Identification and Value Guide)
Ancient Indian Artifacts Volume 2
Authenticating Ancient Indian Artifacts
We also highly recommend joining the Archaeological Society of Ohio. It publishes four awesome periodicals a year. It also has chapters you can join to meet other local hunters. It is a great way to network and meet some great people.
DISPLAY CASES
Once you start your collection, you're going to want to protect your artifacts. A great way to display them is with wooden display cases. I recommend the following company for a nice display case for a great price:
Steele’s Display Cases
5665 State Route 605
Westerville, OH 43082
740.965.6426
E-Mail: [email protected]
For your lesser pieces, most people use Riker cases, which are made of a cardboard like material, but still protect your pieces and let you display them. Another great idea is shadow boxes. I get them from Hobby Lobby and they work really well. You will need to buy the padding and felt, but it's a great way to design your case yourself.
The other consideration when creating a display case is how to organize it. Some people make "Site Frames", using just pieces from one site they hunt. Another theme is point type, or by time period. How you decide to choose the pieces and how to display them is up to you!
Steele’s Display Cases
5665 State Route 605
Westerville, OH 43082
740.965.6426
E-Mail: [email protected]
For your lesser pieces, most people use Riker cases, which are made of a cardboard like material, but still protect your pieces and let you display them. Another great idea is shadow boxes. I get them from Hobby Lobby and they work really well. You will need to buy the padding and felt, but it's a great way to design your case yourself.
The other consideration when creating a display case is how to organize it. Some people make "Site Frames", using just pieces from one site they hunt. Another theme is point type, or by time period. How you decide to choose the pieces and how to display them is up to you!