Authentic
Artifact Collectors Association
Founded
1998
Winter
Newsletter 2004 Volume 1, Issue 4
Co-Editors:
Ken Schmidt, Grier Brunson Web Publishing: Jim Fisher
Message from the President
Cliff Clements
Greetings Members
The winter months have not been kind
to us here in the Northern climes, but AACA activity continues unabated.
It seems we have not yet settled from the "high" of the successful
EXPO 2003, when planning for EXPO 2004 must begin. It was a great EXPO and the
coming one will be better.
The first step taken in planning for
EXPO 2004 was the appointment of Jim Fisher as EXPO 2004 Director. Jim is extremely
knowledgeable in all artifact related areas, and has great organizational
skill. I know you all wish him success, and ask you to help Jim make this
the greatest EXPO ever.
Also, of note: This is the last
Newsletter with Ken Schmidt at the helm. Ken has done more than a fine job as
Editor and has asked to pass the responsibility to Grier Brunson. Ken deserves
a note of thanks from all.
In addition to his new duties as
Newsletter Editor, Grier Brunson has been placed in charge of the
Cliff Clements
President, AACA
The Second Annual
AACA National Ancient American Artifact Exposition will again be held at the
beautiful Drawbridge Inn of Fort Mitchell.
As the show date has been moved to June 11-13, it will be a wonderful
time of year to visit
As a central part of its mission, the AACA strives to combat fraud and to protect the interests of its membership. To that effect, some changes have been put in place for the Second Annual Expo. In order to maintain the highest standards in authentic artifact displays, table reservations will be initiated by invitation only. No tables will be rented on a walk-in basis. Individuals reserving table space for the purpose of artifact display or sale must be members of the AACA. Membership is FREE and all collectors who are serious about combating fraud are encouraged to join and to take part in the Expo.
The Board of
Directors reserves the right to invite individuals who support the AACA mission
to deal only in authentic relics. Individuals
who held tables last year were recently screened by the Board of Directors
before invitations were extended to reserve table space for the 2004 Expo. Dealers who held tables in 2003 and have been
pre-approved to hold tables in 2004 will receive, by e-mail or postal mail, an
invitation to retain the same table space.
Deposits to secure table space are due from returning dealers, vendors,
and exhibitors no later than
A process has also been put in place to allow newcomers an opportunity to reserve table space at the 2004 Expo. Newcomers may apply online or by postal mail for an invitation to reserve tables. Those who receive an invitation will have the opportunity to select from remaining available tables. This part of the table reservation process will begin on March 20th, 2004. If you are interested in securing an invitation to reserve tables at the 2004 Expo, visit the show website, http://www.theaaca.com/show/ for details.
I look forward to seeing many AACA members and guests at what is certain to be one of the best artifact shows in the nation.
Jim Fisher
Show Director
EXPO GUESTS -
RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT THE DRAWBRIDGE INN BY APRIL 15TH FOR A CHANCE
TO WIN A FREE REGULAR
ROOM FOR FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
EXPO DEALERS –
BOOK YOUR ROOM AND RESERVE YOUR TABLES BY APRIL 15TH FOR A CHANCE TO
WIN A ROOM UPGRADE TO
A SUITE & A FREE TABLE FOR THE SHOW
Book Review
Submitted by Ken Schmidt
Overstreet’s Indian
Arrowheads Identification
and Price Guide 8th Edition
House of
Robert M. Overstreet has been publishing his price guides for a number of years, and I don’t know of any serious collector without at least one battered copy within easy reach. As with any reference book, we’ve learned to appreciate the information that agrees with us and skim past the parts that don’t. I’ve never been able to read any issue completely for that very reason. Having been asked to provide this review, I find a daunting task – 1344 pages of artifacts, articles and ads to peruse. I’ll guess 1000 of those pages have between 6 and 24 artifacts depicted. I could review each and every picture with a loupe, or flip through the pages to find my favorites. I could look for the typology that agrees with my sense of the way things should be, or delve into the intricacies. Had to take a middle ground, as I’d hope we all strive to do. That said, I offer the following:
BUY MR. OVERSTREET’S 8TH EDITION.
Let me explain later in this treatise why I make that recommendation, but with all critical reviews we must explore the negatives with the positives. Everybody wants to hear the bad news first, when given the option. This section will be mercifully short.
This reader found the preponderance of typological differentiation vexing. It does seem that somebody in a hitherto unknown county in some small state bordered by 6 others has deemed it appropriate to name a point after his brother-in-law, when in fact it’s identical to the artifacts found across the river (but in another county). Let it be known that I usually prefer broad categories, with typology based on substantial stylistic difference. That’s just my style, and it may not bother anyone else. A minor point, at best, perhaps simply a personal tendency. The division of areas may need some further research. I suggest the reader may have to search outside their respective zones to identify comparable artifacts. Again, not a real problem, since readers will generally look over their own fences.
I compared the eighth edition to the seventh and noticed something that in no way reflects on the content, but rather may be considered a critique of the publisher. The paper is of lesser quality, the pictures aren’t as clear. The better the paper, the more value to the edition. One would have to have both the seventh and eighth edition open at the same time to notice it.
That’s about it for the negative. Now, the good news. You won’t find a better quick reference for the novice or the expert anywhere on the planet. I won’t mention the names of the contributors, but you’ll find excellent articles by highly skilled and educated collectors. The article on predicting the location of Paleo points, the introduction on the use of the guide, the market reports by people we know in the artifact collecting field – all of these are well worth reading. I have to comment on the quality of the advertising pages, as well. Any serious dealer would be advised to consider being mentioned in this book, not only for its wide distribution, but also for the quality of the ads.
The prices quoted are simply a basic suggestion, subject to change on a whim (as stated in the intro), so the reader must make their own decisions. We all know a point found has a value far exceeding a point found by someone else, and the factors determining value are too complex to suggest any opinion is more valid than another. Mr. Overstreet has presented a fair middle ground. I did notice some price changes – some dropped in value, some increased.
The heart and bones of Mr. Overstreet’s publication is, of course, the identification of artifacts. In addition to the thousands of professionally presented photographs, many have text boxes indicating nuances not evident – e.g. ground bases, material type, edge wear, resharpening. The author has gone to some length to note characteristics that may not be evident when viewing a picture.
Overstreet’s 8th has provided us with another handy reference that we’ll be been reading for years. I have a habit of giving away earlier versions of this book, simply because some folks can’t get them easily, but I’ll keep the 7th edition for the paper and keep the 8th for its articles and updates.
Rating
–
Author’s Note: Since I originally wrote this in November ’03 I’ve used it countless times to ID points and blades. I wouldn’t be without it.
KS
The
AACA is pleased to announce –
American Indian
Arrowheads, Genuine or Reproduction
By Col. John F. Berner
184 pages, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" hundreds of color pages
and articles
Available
*Special price of $15 to AACA
members plus $2 postage Col. John F. Berner
" MAPHUNTIN’"
A Technique I use to Find Sites in New
Areas
Submitted by Dave Waite
I should say this isn’t my
invention, just an application of various techniques that archaeologists,
miners, hunters, and others have used to discover more about any new area they
wish to study for some specific purpose. The system can be used to study likely
new areas to hunt for artifacts.
The tremendous amount of data available on the web today can be used to make what was a very difficult and expensive search for new sites much easier now. By using the available map data sites that offer both topographic and photo imaging, you can precisely locate and actually see new areas without actually being there. By using a mix of this map data and other data sources available, it is possible to predict the locations of new unknown sites.
In a nutshell that is how it works, comparative analysis of data to produce a prediction of similar occurrence in a new and different location.
There are several basic skills that need to be mastered before attempting this. The more familiar you are with maps in general, the easier it will be to use this system.
- Topographic map reading skills are
essential. A topo map is a
representation of altitude above or below sea level which turns into a
virtual image of terrain. This is accomplished by the use of contour lines
drawn on map to reflect valleys, mountains, hills, or other terrain
features you might see if you were actually there. In addition most topo
maps show (using a group of symbols which are standardized) the water
courses, vegetation, buildings, fence lines, pipelines, power lines, and
many other features which exist on the surface. On many topo maps the
boundaries of important land status areas are shown.
It is very important that you understand exactly where you are looking for new sites. Public lands, private land, National Parks, Indian lands, National forests, and other restricted areas are all usually shown on topographic maps. There is some data available on the land status in web based map sites as well. When in doubt of status or ownership, confirm before you visit to avoid problems. It should be understood that topo maps are dated (some are old and somewhat obsolete) but the terrain usually doesn’t change, just the features (towns build up, new boundaries, or fences) it is terrain that you are looking for on a topo for “Maphuntin“.
A river valley with wide terraces may be just what you are looking for, or an area with numerous springs or small drainages. These features are indications of areas of habitation or hunting areas that might be likely targets for further study or investigation. Many times the feature that attracted the ancient peoples in one area also attracted them in other areas.
Farming peoples needed to have water and fertile land (like river terraces) hunting peoples needed areas that game frequented (like saddles, passes, vegetation stands) so a study of an area that is productive for artifacts should include an understanding of why the peoples were there. This can be learned from archaeological reports or study of ancient lifestyles. Campsites will equal campsites and hunting areas the same. The ancient peoples were much more in touch with the environment than we are today, and terrain is one of the most important causes of local environmental conditions. So matching terrain using topography is the first step to using the “Maphuntin’” technique. Since the time involved is in many cases in the thousands of years since the ancient peoples were there, the interpretation of topo is only a part of the picture, history shows migrations of peoples as the environment changed in a given area (got wetter or dryer in most cases) but once again the terrain didn’t change all that much, nor did their needs for the specific environment they were choosing to live or hunt in. Often they just moved a valley or two over to a wetter area during a drought, or sometimes away from a hostile tribe or other driving force. Locating the similar terrain likely for occupation or hunting
grounds is where topo is most useful. - Photo imaging (aerial photographs) is
the second component of “Maphuntin’” and this new and more modern way of
looking at the earth’s surface (as compared to topographic maps) has only
recently become available to the public. It is available for
What you will be looking for in the image is the relationship between the vegetation (or lack thereof) and the topography. There can easily be similar terrain, but with entirely different vegetation. Sometimes there is a difference in soils, which can cause infertility, and thus the ancient peoples wouldn’t settle there. So the images will help you determine if that is the case. The imagery is in black and white, so you have to get used to reading shades of gray. This is most easily done by looking at an image of a place you have been to and know what it looks like and then going back and viewing the image again from that perspective. You will find what
may look like dense forest (from the ground) isn’t all that dense in an aerial photograph. Also a ‘small’ hill in picture may be a big ‘mountain’ on the ground. Distance is deceiving in photographs so watch scale. - The third and final element of
“Maphuntin’” is to have a documented database of known sites. This can be
from your friend’s records, archaeological reports, or your own personal
finds which you recorded. (You did keep track of those ‘good’ spots didn’t
you)? Then what you do to find a “new” spot is to compare the:
a. TERRAIN from the topo of known area to;
b. IMAGE of the known area, and then pinpoint the;
c. FEATURE producing artifacts in known area.
Once you have done the above steps you know what you are looking for in any other area, and it is a simple matter to zoom out scale and look at a much larger area nearby, or even in an adjoining state with similar terrain. The real trick is to recognize that all this map stuff is but a vision of the surface without actually being there. If you can visualize the area from maps, you can save yourself a lot of time and miles going to look at new spots, and the success rate in matching terrain and sites is very high.
One more thing that helps you do all this matching between maps and the surface of the ground is to understand the co-ordinate systems all maps use, and the easiest way I have found to understand them is to use a GPS device. It takes all the work out of it as they scale and convert for you they are becoming more popular with all types of outdoor enthusiasts, and can help you keep from getting lost out in the wilds. They are great for being able to return to an exact spot where you found something, or telling someone else where it was you found it. Global Positioning System is a group of satellites orbiting above the whole world and by having a receiver reading the satellite signals; the nearly exact position of any spot on the Earth’s surface can be located and converted to geographic co-ordinates. These co-ordinates can then be placed on topo maps or aerial photos for a visual study of the specific location of interest. Yes, you can actually go to a place, record a co-ordinate, return to the exact spot again if you wish, and most importantly place this spot on both an aerial photo and a topographic map. The comparisons you can now make are the basis of “Maphuntin’”.
By recording all your finds you will build up a database, and even if you don’t use it for “Maphuntin’” comparisons, you can keep it as a record (very important we don’t just pick ‘em up and forget what they represent) it is history we are trying to collect and save for our own enjoyment as well as future generations. The knowledge is lost if no one can remember where it was found, only the artifact remains and while it may be beautiful, its value is diminished with no history behind it.
Some information about co-ordinates:
UTM is a system used by military and others its benefit is that it actually reads out in meters east-west and north-south within a specified region (Example UTM 13 349524E 3883450N). In this example the UTM 13 is a map grid section, and the position for east -west is marked by 349524 meters within the section, and so respectively for north -south position by 3883450 meters. (This format is probably not best for “Maphuntin’” but good for GPS on ground investigations).
DECIMAL DEGREES is a Latitude-Longitude co-ordinate system that uses a single number in decimal form to designate either latitude or longitude (Example 28.12345 latitude -102.34567 longitude). The minus sign is important as all longitude in US is negative
This is probably best for “Maphuntin”, easy and precise enough:
DEGREES is a Latitude - Longitude co-ordinate system that uses degrees, minutes of a degree (1/60th of a degree=1 minute), and seconds of a degree (1/60th of a minute=1 second) and additionally can be fractioned further by decimal entries. (this is the most precise measuring system but not needed for “Maphuntin’” in most cases) Example 28 degrees 30 minutes 59.66 seconds north and 101 degrees 14 minutes 02.34seconds west.
I mention all of these systems as they are on map data sites as a way to generate a map of a specific spot. Also available is a search by place names. This is based on a national database of all of the place names in the USGS (United States Geological Service) database. This database has many names sometimes even down to names of springs, or creeks, or hills. BUT it is not totally complete and leaves out some that are on the topo maps.
It is very important to use the same co-ordinate system in your GPS recording of sites and your map creation and study efforts. If you use decimal degrees for one, use it for all of your maps. Scales can be confusing on maps, if you don’t keep them equivalent you can misinterpret the data.
Of Rivers, Rattlesnakes and Relationships
Part 1
Submitted by Tom Westfall
Parent/child relationships have been a source of nearly endless discussion for many years. Sigmund Freud once observed that "conflict in the father/son relationship is inevitable" and added that men can't truly grow up, until their own Father's die. On the other hand, many people have noted that the bond that exists between many Fathers (and Mothers) and their sons (and daughters) is a source of companionship and friendship that has a transcendent quality which exists at a level that is rarely achieved in most relationships.
It has been my observation that Freud was generally wrong about many things, this being no exception. While conflict between parents and their children exists in many families, it is often predicated upon factors that aren't necessarily "inevitable." Dad wants Junior to fulfill a dream that Dad never quite achieved and Junior is pushed in directions that he has little interest in. Many times, this conflict is simply a result of "bad manners." I often wonder about the lack of discipline in many households and have come to the conclusion that "children will be about as disciplined as their Moms and Dads are disciplined in their approach to child rearing." Caregivers that yell a lot use a lot of coercion and physical force to dominate their children will generally have sons and daughters who may be compliant enough on the surface, but have a deeply rebellious streak when outside Dad or Mom's direct observation. There is an old maxim that states, "Your children will generally treat you about as well as you treat them and as well as treat yourself."
I offer these
thoughts as a backdrop in which to context the following story. I am approaching middle age, the Father of
two college age children. They are my pride and joy and I am quite fortunate to
have them both as "best friends." I'd like to say that I know exactly
how this happened, but I don't. I suspect that the fact that their Mother died
when they were quite young and I was struggling single parent for a period a
time may have contributed to the bond we share.
I know that as an imperfect parent, I was occasionally ill tempered,
however at the same time, I was human enough to admit my short comings and ask
their forgiveness. Furthermore, from the time they were very young, we spent
lots of time together, literally hundreds of hours, sometimes reading stories
and playing with their toys, but often in our pursuit of both the wild majestic
things of nature and in seeking out connections with a murky past. By the time
that they were no more than five, both of my little ones had trudged through
corn fields seeking pheasants, marshes hunting ducks and geese and had braved
the chill of a
Shared interests are the basis for friendships. As a parent I worked hard to cultivate their love of the pastimes I enjoyed. We didn't walk past their endurance nor did we stay afield beyond their developmental stages-sometimes our excursions were quite brief when they were very small. We talked constantly about what we were seeing-the flock of geese on its yearly sojourn south; the pristine spider web, dew covered, and glistening in the early morning sunlight; the lives of those who walked upon the earth before us.
I've found enough stone and bone remnants of Amerind Prehistory in my life to satisfy me and to this day I'll try to steer those in my family that I hunt with towards the most productive spots. The thrill of discovery is a powerful elixir indeed and it has been my experience that if children have success when looking for arrowheads, they will become collectors. If on the other hand, they are constantly bored, or cold or tired, they will develop an aversion for the hobby. I've witnessed parents that pushed to hard to have their youngsters share their interests, only to have their strategies backfire, and what could have been the basis for a lifetime friendship became just another bone of contention in a series of seemingly endless conflicts.
While there is an abundance of happiness and joy which comes from quality parent/child relationships, a wise parent will have a generous dose of humility as well. It is both an honor and a privilege to have young adult children who actively seek out and want to spend time with their folks. Thus it was that I was nearly overwhelmed with happiness when my two children both called from their respective colleges during the week before Labor Day saying that they wanted to come home for a weekend, "to walk the river with the Old Man."
They both
arrived home Friday evening and plans were made for a day trek on the
While there are many anecdotes to share about this venture, suffice it to say that it is a weekend none of us will soon forget. In our 16 hours and over 30 miles of walking down the river we recovered 4 nearly complete Paleo points, a half dozen other archaic and woodland points, several nice knives and many other tools. The most interesting find of the trip was a very unique "platform" pipe which was recovered by one of Grayson's companions. As it was a particularly warm day, Dena was playing in the river, splashing the boys when she bent over to pick up what she thought to be a piece of wood. It had a small whole drilled in the end, but she wasn't really thinking about the possibility that it could be anything special. Moments later, I heard some "fluting" up river and saw that she was playing a rock, much the way a soda bottle is played. I'm just glad she didn't decide to give up the flute before I had a chance to observe her wonderful find. This piece now graces one of my best frames, a gift from someone who wanted to say "Thank-you."
During our many hours together as we journeyed down river, I was constantly struck with the reality that while it is very easy to get cynical about today's youth, closer inspection will suggest that they'll do just fine. Among these five young adults were three pre-med students, serious about school yet having a grand time hip deep in the timeless waters of the Platte River, a dental student, and another science major with an inclination towards veterinary medicine. Needless to say, the brackish backwaters and swamps along the river prompted some interesting discussions about the various parasites that might exist in all that slime.
The weekend was over much too quickly and at midday on Monday, they headed back to their own worlds. I'd like to blame seasonal allergies, but there may have been another reason for the tears in my eyes. Artifact hunting was the platform upon which we staged our weekend extravaganza. In truth, the final tally was far greater than the stone reminders of an ancient yesterday that we recovered.
To Be
Continued…
AACA Newsletter Announcement
Ken Schmidt, AACA Director
The AACA is always in transition; we are not a static association by any means. We’ve managed to retain some of the most enthusiastic individuals for the past few years, and acquired a few more folks within the past few months. It gives me great pleasure in announcing the expiration of my tenure as Newsletter Editor.
When any board member relinquishes a position on an assignment, they are replaced by another with an enthusiasm that exceeds that of the incumbent. Some jobs are so much fun its considered fair play to move over for another board member, simply to share the wealth. It so happens we have found a gentleman who will assume the headache of Newsletter Editor.
By no means does our new Editor need an introduction, but I will do so nonetheless. This esteemed Texan has a voice few haven’t heard. He’s a man who never met a piece of Alibates he didn’t like. You’ll find a quick wit, an inquiring mind, and an altogether good guy. I can’t imagine a better successor to this job.
I present GRIER BRUNSON. The reader may have noticed he is co-editing this issue, so kindly refer any complaints to him.
Now – a note to the members. Some our best articles have been submitted by people with information or techniques unavailable through other channels. Reference some of the articles you’ve read in this newsletter. The newsletter editor will on occasion contact members for articles we’d like to borrow for inclusion. The Editor will decide our policy in that regard. I trust you will afford him the courtesy you’ve shown me.
Grier – Take the helm, and good sailing.
