Best arrowhead finds 2023

It's the last day of the year, a time for me to look back. These are my favorite arrowhead finds from this year. 

I found these at 8 different sites in 6 towns in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. These are typical local materials: mostly quartz, with rhyolite, felsite and quartzite. They span thousands of years of time. The triangular and small stemmed forms are typical finds in the areas I search. I found most of them in the spring which is usually the most productive time for me. 

The fragment at bottom left is an important find for me. This is part of a bifurcate base projectile point. This could be 8 to 9 thousand years old and likely is the oldest tool I have found to date. Finding a bifurcate base point has been a goal for me since I began this pursuit. 

I have been putting some time in this month hoping for one more decent find for the year but have not come up with anything worth showing. It does not get easier for me to find these things. The loss of agricultural land and changes in farming practices together with me pounding many of the same spots for ten plus years have made finds fewer and farther between. But, I have had worse years than this, I still have fun looking and, if I put the time in, it is still possible every now and then to find something among the weeds.

I am grateful for being able to look, for the time I spent looking, for the spots I have and for all my finds. Best wishes to everyone for lots of luck in 2024.

Mysterious Rock Structures found Hidden in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Mysterious Rock Structures found Hidden in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! (youtube.com)

Diamond and Horns

"Diamond" and Horns(?) on Big Snake head, Peck Hill in Woodbridge CT??

From Tim MacSweeney

[PWAX says: Tim may be thinking this represents Unktena (various spellings) the Water Spirit with a pearl (or diamond) on its head. Quartz is not common in Woodbridge CT.]

The Stones We Carry - O'Riordan PhD Thesis Defence

For a PhD Dissertation at University of Connecticut. This compares approaches to studying Ceremonial Stone Structures (or ignoring them).

CLICK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbC2vPabNHo

[Corrected] Surveying the stone tool making debris in the neighborhood of a little Nevada Hill

This is an addendum to the overview posted here.

Small Children , Small Stone Prayers, Small Turtle Effigies (Nonnewaug CT)

 

  “Historically, archaeologists have devoted few resources to understanding the social roles and activities of children...Lucy (2005) attributes part of the problem to the unwillingness of many archaeologists to include children in their interpretations unless there is direct evidence, usually mortuary, of a child's presence…"

From: "Playing with method: testing one approach towards identifying the places of past children" -Mackenzie Cory (2020)

More:

https://wakinguponturtleisland.blogspot.com/2023/12/small-children-small-stone-prayers.html

Revisiting a little hill in the Nevada Desert

 

Scottish Rock Pile

 They don't mess around.

Closing out a year of arrowhead hunting.

It has been several month since I found anything. After walking and walking, hour after hour, it is always a bit of a shock when the piece of the universe you happen to be looking at happens to contain the thing you are looking for. 

From coastal RI.

 

Update: I spent long hours yesterday looking at parts of the universe that did not contain arrowheads. You don't really look for arrowheads - arrowheads happen. You just hope to be there when they do.

Covering historic signs

 Concord officials look to cover up Massachusetts historic signs due to their 'offensive' nature (bostonherald.com)

This upsets me. I am from Concord and have deep respect for that spot on the Milldam where the sign appears. I was reminded in several different ways over the last week that Concord has nothing to be ashamed of with respect to the Native Americans. The town tried hard to protect them during the King Phillips War before the Indians were forced to go to Deer Island in Boston harbor. 

In addition, there were religious people in Concord (Bulkley?) who were devout and respected for it by the Indians. I just read (I already forgot where) it is the reason Concord was never attacked during the War.

Then, on the level of everyday American politics, I have to wonder about this "woke" initiative from Concord's current selectmen. They talk about being respectful to Native Americans but I simply do not believe they are responding to an actual complaint from an actual Native American. It is a thinly idealistic theoretical "respect". It does not play with a love [and respect] for history and I would be glad to know if there exists a real, local, Native American who is uncomfortable with the fact that Concord was purchased "from the Indians".

Ceremonial Stones from Honey Hollow VT

[From reader Hazel over several emails]

I'm including for fun, some of my favorite images of the stones I have 'discovered' in Honey Hollow, VT. I have also seen the impressive sites at Wolfrun/West Bolton(noted by N Muller and NEARA) and I think these sites are related, being directly north/south of each other, with the Winooski River between them. I shared my findings with Mike Luoma, who recently visited and feels these findings are genuine. I am working on a map - not counting stone rows, I have over 20 + different stone formations noted. Everything from 'typical' stone prayers, to prominent directionals, niches and 'stone spells' as you call them - which I agree seem different then the prayer-type piles. I read Manitou for the first time this summer and now suddenly, I cannot seem to go ANYWHERE in the woods without finding things.

This perched boulder points directly 0* north and is within a few degrees of the biscuit cairns at Wolfrun. I have found several perfectly north directionals at Honey Hollow but this one was most compelling and is very large. I love the way it seems to mimic the opposite ridge. 

Some more from Honey Hollow…

And this I found high above the colonial clutter, on the western ridge of Honey Hollow. I couldn’t ignore the 315* NW orientation, as if aligned with summer solstice sunset or winter sunrise. I know my boyfriend can’t wait for me to drag him up there again on 12/21 at 6 am LOL 

And these are some of the cairns at Wolfrun, directly north of Honey Hollow…

***

I've always noticed them but only recently did I learn that they may have some significance.  State archaeologist Nick Bellantoni came to this area 22 years ago because of an Indian burying ground in the area.  I had him come to this area on my property and he said it was probably an area of Indian settlement:  A terrace with an adjacent steep-ish slope.  There is a circle of large flat stones, and there is a spring and a small wetland very nearby.

This last one is very large, maybe 15ft or more, on a hillside. The cairn is on adjoining land trust land.

***

I took more pictures today, sent to you as files, of the large mound which, lol, I over-estimated to be too tall.  I'd say it's only about 7-8 ft or a bit taller.  The mound is at the bottom of a steep-ish slope (elevation drop of 50 feet over 300 feet on a hill which is like a symmetrical bowl, on an upland terraced site, the bowl being a large extended triangular mound at the base of it).  Included is a small "cave" on the mound which extends in a couple of feet.  

This mound is in a straight line with the humanoid-fish-turtle like structure that is roughly 300 feet away due around 10-15 degrees degrees west of north, so I guess true magnetic north.

If you could guess, I'm interested in the possible date of these structures.  I always thought the mound was colonial and the low effigy was a place where someone buried a pet, but every time I passed I thought it was way too elaborate for that.

From Mike Luoma

Hope you're doing well... In my ongoing attempt to educate folks about Indigenous stonework, I'm offering my thoughts on designed elements in Effigy Rows in a new video based on my notebook sketch page "What I Look For In The Stones" which I thought you might find interesting. Any feedback or thoughts are certainly welcome. At the very least, hope you enjoy: https://youtu.be/YYTA83pW0AA?si=PGfoWAaTlkE8d8GC

NESSHIE - In search of Nashoba

 (4) In Search of Nashobah, Part 1 - Site 000345 - YouTube

Southern AZ. Is that a pyramid? ...You decide

part 1:

part 2:

Vote on preserving the Webster-Bulkeley CSL land on November 1 in Littleton

 A reminder from the Friends of the Nashoba.

Update: Sadly the town did not come up with the $

The Stones We Carry: Avocational Science, Epistemics, and Identity in New England’s Cultural Stone Features Debate

Kitty -O'Riordan from UConn, is defending her PhD Thesis on the debate about Ceremonial Stone Landscapes. It should be of great general interest. Please note the date and the Zoom link.

Doctoral Dissertation Oral Defense of Kitty O’Riordan

The Stones We Carry: Avocational Science, Epistemics, and Identity in 

New England’s Cultural Stone Features Debate 

Friday, November 10th, 2023

2-4 PM

McHugh Hall Room 301 or streamed online via Zoom:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89235321183

The debate over the purpose and provenance of particularly unusual and enigmatic built stone features, traditionally labeled as remnants of 18th and 19th century agricultural activity, has intensified in the decades since avocationalists and Indigenous groups identified them as Ceremonial Stone Landscapes (CSLs). While avocational archaeologists have been creating knowledge about these features in New England for more than a century, their methods, values, social organization, and motivations as a unique social world are severely understudied and often misrepresented. This dissertation applies insights from science and technology studies (STS) and the sociology of amateurism to address this gap and to identify the major stakeholders, themes, and issues within this debate. 

Using data from 16 in-depth interviews, an extensive survey of the professional and avocational literature, and participant observation at public talks, conferences, and research excursions, I investigate three interrelated categories: 1) the dynamics between professional and avocational researchers and the structure and character of the avocational community; 2) the methodological practices, epistemic challenges, and processes for evaluating knowledge that emerge from this area of study; and 3) the motivations, worldviews, and identities that inform avocational researchers’ dedication to what they understand as vital contours of a complex and shared heritage. This is considered alongside the history of this debate, relational and posthuman archaeologies, Indigenous and non-Native relations, and growing environmental anxieties. 

In contrast to portrayals of this community as homogenous, unscientific, and motivated exclusively by political goals, I argue that avocational researchers conduct meaningful work on the local level that unites a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve common goals. They cultivate broad networks through efficient communication and strong values; develop creative methodologies to overcome epistemic uncertainty; reflect deeply on their ethical and ideological motivations and relationships with others; and seek out collaborative opportunities to protect these landscapes and the alternative ways of being in the world they contain. A clearer understanding of the avocational community and this debate more broadly may facilitate more effective, community-based, democratic, and ontologically plural approaches to heritage preservation in an entangled and postcolonial New England. 

A pair of little quartz points from RI

Rhode Island Arrowheads - "Cumberland/Barnes phase"

Josh in Rhode Island sends this:

Over the last four years I have found some really rare and unique treasures at the beach including points from the cumberland/barnes phase and earlier (el joboid).  The site is on private property (where I have permission to be looking) with multiple occupations and also produces many side notched hardaway daltons.  I have found many artifacts made from shells as well including the photo I sent of a 1 inch paleo type point that slightly twists and has a notch on one side only.

[This is a quahog shell- a wampum arrowheaad]

Heard there were arrowheads at Waquoit

I can believe it. But I think the nice ones must be all gone.

This material is argillite.

Woodpecker Drummers?

 

https://www.scribd.com/read/230095531/Reading-Rock-Art-Interpreting-the-Indian-Rock-Paintings-of-the-Canadian-Shield

Decoding the Stones: Mike Luoma on New England's Hidden History

 

  “In this episode, Mike Luoma shares his journey of discovery, visiting possible sacred stone sites and trying to unravel their meanings and histories. Whether you've stumbled upon mysterious stonework yourself or are just curious about the hidden history of New England, this book and our conversation with Mike offer eye-opening insights…”

https://youtu.be/j6kiO_HopqQ?si=hMg653IVo2Q5SRyB

Excerpts from Our Hidden Landscapes (2023)

 

https://uapress.arizona.edu/book/our-hidden-landscapes

News from the Friends of the Nashoba Praying Indians

 Friends of the Nashobah Praying Indians: Bulkeley Farm Native structures update

 

Dear Friends of the Nashobah Praying Indians,

 

Friends of the Nashobah member Lyle Webster is offering 36 acres of his family land to Littleton for purchase as open space conservation land.  The acquisition will come up for vote on the 11-1-23 Littleton town meeting. 

 

The land is part of the Bulkeley Farm which was founded circa 1700 and is one of the oldest farms in Littleton.  And just as significantly the property has a number of stone structures that have been assessed as Native ceremonial stone constructions by myself, Strong Bear, and experts James & Mary Gage, and Kimberley Conners. 

 

A town purchase of the land for conservation use would among other things preserve these Native structures.  If you are a resident of Littleton, please support this acquisition with your vote at town meeting November 1^st. 

 

Lyle is giving tours of the property, including some of the structures.  These will be held on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 – 3:00pm, through October.  The tours are 45 minutes long. 

 

If you would like a tour of this promising conservation property, please contact Lyle at lylewebster@verizon.net.

 

I have walked the Bulkeley Farm many times with Lyle and it is always a pleasure.  I hope the town acquires it. 

 

Lyle – if there is anything I missed, or needs to be added to this email, please ‘reply all’ with your additions / corrections. 

 

On a historical note, during King Philip’s War in 1675-76, Concord was only lightly defended.  However, Metacomet’s warriors never attacked it.  It was learned afterwards that this was because Peter Bulkeley lived there, and Metacomet – who thought highly of Peter as a highly spiritual person – would not attack a town where Peter lived. 

 

Quick update – the next FoNPI event is a book signing at Orchard House, tentatively scheduled for November.  Updates to follow as details become available.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dan

Our Hidden Landscapes: Indigenous Stone Ceremonial Sites in Southern New England

 

Our Hidden Landscapes: Indigenous Stone Ceremonial Sites in Southern New England

by Dr. Lucianne Lavin

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Harwinton Town Hall

100 Bentley Dr.

Harwinton, CT

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Presentation begins at 7:00 pm

Pre registration requested at this link.

Directions at this link.

Sponsored by the Harwinton and Burlington Land Trusts

​“A hike in the woods often reveals a variety of built stone cultural features. Many of these are the remains of abandoned farmsteads and industrial mill sites. Others, however, represent Native American ceremonial sites. The idea of Native Americans designing stone structures that represent sacred landscapes is fairly new to some Northeastern researchers, as it was historically – and erroneously -- thought that local Indigenous peoples did not build in stone and all such structures were the result of European-American farming activities. Some of it is, but some of it is not. 

​This PowerPoint presentation (and the recently published book on which it is based) introduces people to Southern New England’s Indigenous Ceremonial Stone Landscapes (CSLs) – sacred spaces whose principal identifying characteristics are stacked stone structures that cluster within specific physical landscapes. They are often unrecognized as the significant cultural landscapes they are, in dire need of protection and preservation.

​State regulations (in Connecticut, at least) support preservation of sacred Native American sites (that is, those sites of ritual significance), and so it is important for members of land trusts and conservation organizations, as well as private property owners, to be able to recognize these sites within their properties and work to preserve them.”

A visit to the Aptuxet Trading Post - Bourne MA

A messy and poor display. Still....

First shelf:

2nd shelf, lots of shadowy points:

Such a hard to see collections, you might almost miss it:

I did not see it (the paleo blade in the above) until I got home and was looking at pictures.

I wish they would arrange these, straighten them out, light them properly, and provided some sign-age.

Slightly better:

Low tide along the Pocasset River this morning around noon. 

That museum could use a consultant.